NT Health

Extreme heat health alert issued across the Northern Territory

6 December 2022

NT Health is issuing severe and extreme heat health alerts with high temperatures across the Northern Territory this week.
 
The NT is currently experiencing severe heat across every region with the exception of Tiwi and Simpson. These conditions will continue with extreme heat forecast in the Arnhem, Carpentaria, and Gregory districts from Wednesday 7 December expanding to also include the Barkly, Daly and Tanami districts from Thursday 8 December 2022. 

Current advice from NT Health is that the NT is at a level two ‘watch and act’ alert, with the potential to reach a level three ‘emergency warning’ later in the week. 

NT Health encourages all residents and visitors to take appropriate action to avoid heat stress (also known as heat stroke) and dehydration.

To avoid heat related illness the community should:
1.    Stay cool in air-conditioning where possible or seek out shady areas with a breeze
2.    Drink cold or iced water
3.    Decrease physical activity
4.    Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose clothes and a wide-brimmed hat
5.    Get into cold water or apply cold substances to the body
6.    Use fans and damp towels if you don’t have air-conditioning

Symptoms of heat stress:
1.    Tiredness and lethargy
2.    Headache
3.    Dizziness or fainting
4.    Confusion leading to poor decision making
5.    Muscle cramps
6.    Feeling thirsty
7.    Urinating less often

People who feel they may be suffering from heat stress should take immediate action to bring their temperature down. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice. If you are worried, call triple zero (000) immediately. 

For more information on extreme heat visit https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/heat-stress 
For more information on heatwaves visit the Bureau's heatwave knowledge centre Heatwave Service for Australia.