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                    Heatwaves

                    During the warmer months, Melbourne can experience heatwaves and days of extreme heat. Being prepared for and informed about extreme weather conditions can reduce heat-related illnesses.

                    ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​On this page:

                    What is a heatwave?

                    There is no single internationally accepted definition of a heatwave, however in Victoria, a heatwave is a pe​riod of unusual and uncomfortable hot weather that could negatively affect human health, and community infrastructure (such as the power supply and public transport) and services. (Heat Health Plan for Victoria 2015)

                    The Bureau of ​Meteorology’s Heatwave service for Australia defines a heatwave as 'three days or more of high maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusual for that location'.

                    During extreme heat days, we often dehydrate quicker than we realise, and it is important to adapt our behaviours to prevent heat stress.​

                    Heat health alerts

                    ​The Bureau of Meteorology's Heatwave service for Australia issues heatwave warnings when ten per cent or more of a weather district is forecast to experience a severe or extreme heatwave. The metric for heatwave is the Excess Heat Factor. It is based on three days of unusually high ma​ximum and minimum temperatures for a location. Heatwaves are categorised into three levels: low-intensity, severe and extreme.

                    Heat Health warnings are issued by the Chief Healt​h Officer to organisations includ​​ing local government. These are triggered in response to heatwave warnings from the Bureau of Meteorology or when there are forecasted high temperatures of concern. ​​

                    You can personally receive heat health alert warnings from the Department of Health via email by subscribing to heat health warning alerts.

                    Consider setting up an emergency 'watch zone' for your work or home area on the Vic Emergency website to be notified of emergencies, including extreme heat and heatwaves that occur in your area.​

                    What does the City of ​​Melbourne do when a heat health alert has been issued?

                    The City of Melbourne has a Heat Health Alert Activation Sub Plan. The plan includes notifying service providers, agencies and established community group organisations that interact with people who may be vulnerable to heat-related illnesses when a heat health alert has been issued. We will also post updates on the City of Melbourne social media channels.

                    ​Kathleen Syme Library, narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services, and Library at the Dock will all remain open until 9pm on heat health alert days to provide you with a cool place of respite. See libraries.​

                    Top tips for dealing with heatwaves

                    Exposure to extreme heat can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sometimes death. On hot days it is vital to stay cool and safe.

                    Our Summer Sense fact sheets have practical tips for preparing for and staying safe during extreme heat days:

                    Read on for additional tips for keeping yourself and others safe during a heat event:

                    ​How do I prevent heat stress?

                    • Plan activities for the coolest part of the day,or reschedule for another date.
                    • Never leave children, older people or pets in cars.
                    • Eat smaller meals more often, and cold meals such as salad.
                    • Dress for the heat by wearing lightweight clothing and sun protection.
                    • Slow down and avoid intense activity before, during and after a heatwave, as it can take the body three days to recover. 
                    • Seek shade, apply sunscreen and take regular breaks if outdoors. 
                    • Drink cool water regularly, even if you're not thirsty. 
                    • Avoid alcohol, as this has a dehydrating effect. 

                    Look out for yourself and others ​

                    Check in on others regularly, particularly those most at risk - your neighbour living alone, older people, people with a disability, young people, people with a medical condition and pregnant/nursing mothers.  Visit the Better Health Channel for more information.  

                    If you take medication, be sure to store it in a cool environment and follow the storage instructions on the packet. If in doubt, ask your doctor.  

                    Hot weather can also affect your mood and contribute to feelings of loneliness. It is important to stay connected during this time and reach out to your loved ones. For more information on increasing connection in a heatwave visit resources to help you

                    For free, confidential mental health support, contact:

                    Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
                    Lifeline: 13 11 14 

                    Heatwave Kits ​

                    To help be ready for a heatwave and prepared for a long hot summer season here’s a checklist to help you prepare for extreme heat days:  

                    • Adequate amount of water and non-perishable food items that require no cooking or refrigeration to last you three days 
                    • Medication and first aid kit; Keep a one-month supply of prescription medications and other medical supplies. 
                    • Battery powered radio, torch and spare batteries 
                    • Cooling items (such as battery-operated or hand held fan, ice packs, cooling towels and a spray bottle to help you stay cool). 
                    • Emergency contact numbers. 

                    By following our summer sense fact sheet and adding the above items to your heatwave kit you and your family are able to stay cool and comfortable during a heatwave.

                    What about my pets? ​

                    Make sure your pets have clean, cool water and shade (if outdoors). You can also: 

                    • freeze ice blocks with pet food in it to keep your pets cool 
                    • keep your pets indoors where possible 
                    • provide wet towels or ice packs for your pets to lie on 
                    • put ice cubes into their water bowls. 

                    Avoid walking on pavement on hot days. If the ground is too hot to rest the back of your hand against, it is too hot for their paws. For both of your health, try to only walk them during the early morning and/or early evening.

                    Never leave your pet in a hot car. If you see a pet in a hot car, call 000. 

                    For more information: 

                    Animal Welfare Victoria 

                    RSPCA 

                    Climate Council

                    How do I cool down in my home? ​​

                    • You don't need to cool your whole home during high heat. If you have access to an aircon or fan, you can use it in the coolest rooms in the property only. 
                    • Keep the windows closed and covered to reduce the heat from sunlight. 
                    • If the temperature drops at night, consider leaving your windows open to let cool air in. 
                    • Reduce the use of your oven during a heatwave, as they can heat up your home. 
                    • Keep yourself cool by using wet towels on your neck, putting your feet in cold water, and taking cool showers. 
                    • If your property is too hot to comfortably reside in, seek shelter at a cool place.

                    Heat Smart Sessions 

                    Throughout summer, the City of Melbourne will be delivering pop-up information sessions in libraries and neighbourhood centres on heat safety. At these sessions, you can also pick up a free heat health kit, containing practical items to help keep our vulnerable community members cool. Keep an eye out on this page for future dates and locations.​

                    Cool places – stay cool and hydrated in the city

                    Our interactive map will help you find a cool place in Melbourne to spend time in on hot days, where our free water fountains are located and where there are trees providing shade. ​

                    Cool places information

                    For indoor events happening across the city, visit Whats On​.


                    Translated heat safety information

                    Translated Cool Places neighbourhood ​maps​

                    To make our Cool Places map even more accessible for our community, we’ve created neighbourhood-specific maps for you to download. These maps are translated into the top five most common languages in each neighbourhood and are able to be printed out and taken with you on the go. Find your neighbourhood map below.


                    List of cool places

                    Community centres

                    • Boyd Community Hub, Southbank
                    • Carlton Neighbourhood Learning Centre
                    • North Melbourne Community Centre, North Melbourne
                    • Kensington Neighbourhood House, Kensington
                    • North and West Melbourne Neighbourhood Centres
                    • North Melbourne Language and Learning Centre

                    Libraries

                    • City Library, CBD
                    • East Melbourne Library, East Melbourne
                    • Kathleen Syme Library, Carlton
                    • ​narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services, CBD 
                    • North Melbourne Library, North Melbourne
                    • Southbank Library, Boyd Community Hub, Southbank
                    • State Library, CBD

                    Recreation centres and po​ols

                    • Carlton Baths, Carlton
                    • Kensington Recreation Centre, Kensington (temporary closed and currently under redevelopment scheduled to open in 2025) ​
                    • Melbourne City Baths, CBD
                    • North Melbourne Recreation Centre, North Melbourne​

                    Cinemas

                    • Chinatown cinema, CBD
                    • Cinema Nova, Carlton
                    • Hoyts Cinema, Melbourne Central, CBD
                    • Palace Kino Cinema, CBD
                    • Midcity Arcade Cinema, CBD
                    • IMAX, Melbourne Museum, Carlton
                    • Village Cinemas, Crown Casino, Southbank

                    Parks and gardens

                    • Alexandra Gardens, CBD
                    • Carlton Gardens North, Carlton
                    • Fitzroy Gardens, East Melbourne
                    • Flagstaff Gardens, West Melbourne
                    • Kings Domain, South Yarra
                    • Princes Park, Carlton
                    • Riverslide Skate Park, CBD
                    • Royal Park, Parkville
                    • South Fawkner Park, South Yarra​​

                    Public galleries

                    • ACMI, Federation Square, CBD
                    • City Gallery, Melbourne Town Hall, CBD
                    • Ian Potter Museum of Art, Federation Square, Central City
                    • Melbourne Museum, Carlton
                    • National Gallery of Victoria, Southbank
                    • Science Gallery Melbourne, Parkville 

                    Shopping centres and food courts

                    • Collins Place, CBD
                    • Crown Casino, Southbank
                    • DFO South Wharf, South Wharf
                    • Emporium Melbourne, CBD
                    • 39 Galleria Shopping Plaza, CBD
                    • Lygon Court, Carlton
                    • Melbourne Central, CBD
                    • QV Retail, CBD
                    • Southgate, Southbank
                    • Spencer Outlet Centre, CBD
                    • St Collins Lane, CBD

                    Travellers Aid

                    • Travellers Aid Flinders Street Station Office, CBD
                    • Travellers Aid Southern Cross Station, CBD
                    • Visitor centres
                    • Fitzroy Gardens Visitor Centre, East Melbourne

                    Housing and support

                    • ​Youth Projects (CBD)
                    • Housing First (Parkville)​
                    • ​Cohealth (Kensington, CBD)

                    Drinking fountains

                    Drinking water is vital during hot weather. There are many free bubbler drinking fountains as well as more than 60 drinking fountains fitted with water bottle refill taps across the city, as part of a joint initiative between VicHealth and the City of Melbourne. Check our interactive drinking fountains map or visit Choose Tap to find the nearest water station when you are out and about.

                    Cool routes

                    Cool Routes is a website you can access on the go – including through your smartphone – to plot your journey to any destination you choose across the CBD, Southbank and City North. Cool Routes takes into account the time of day, the city architecture and surrounds to give you not necessarily the fastest route, but the route best protected from the sun and heat. 

                    By using Cool Routes you can make your walk or cycle journey around the city more comfortable and help to protect yourself from the worst of the heat.

                    Heatwaves and homelessness

                    Since 2013, the City of Melbourne has implemented a Heatwave and Homelessness Program to provide highly vulnerable people living in the municipality heat respite options. 

                    The program runs from 1 December to help mitigate the effects of extreme heat on people who are experiencing homelessness. The program is a joint undertaking by the City Safety, Security and Amenity Branch and the Health and Wellbeing Branch and involves eight external support agencies.

                    The City of Melbourne has had to revise the scope of the Heatwave and Homelessness Program in consideration of COVID-19 impacts. Alternative cooling methods provided to homelessness agencies this season include water bottles, mosquito repellent, cooling towels, sunscreen and hats.

                    Chief Heat O​ffic​ers

                    In partnership with the Atlantic Council's Adrienne Arsht-Rockefeller Foundation Resilience Center (Arsht-Rock) the City of Melbourne has appointed Co-Directors Climate Change and City Resilience, Tiffany Crawford and Krista Milne, to the roles of Chief Heat Officers.

                    Established through Arsht-Rock'​s City Champions for Heat Action initiative, the position will raise awareness about extreme heat risk, provide local leadership and collaborate to deliver solutions.

                    You can learn more about the Chief Heat Officers.​

                    Measuring and combating rising temperatures in the city

                    The City of Melbourne is developing a new tool to map heat hazards and strengthen responses to extreme heat events. We are partnering with Climasens – a leading Melbourne-based climate intelligence startup – to test a heat risk platform, which aims to boost the city’s climate resilience.

                    The new technology uses live weather and climate data to identify real-time heat risk insights, including heat exposure and social vulnerability. The trial aims to develop a solution to heat monitoring and management, helping us protect those who are most vulnerable during a heatwave, and provide evidence to improve climate resilience planning and investment decisions

                    The heat risk platform will be trialled for three months, with further phases considered after this initial trial.

                    For more information, visit Climasens​​.

                    The Heat Lab

                    This year, the City of Melbourne received funding from Emergency Management Victoria to run ‘The Heat Lab’. This twelve-month project will trial community-focused and place-based initiatives to address heat risk over the 2023-2024 summer period. 

                    These include:

                    • Running heat safety sessions to raise awareness of the risks posed by extreme heat
                    • Providing ‘cool places’ at libraries and community organisations for people to seek respite during heatwaves
                    • Boosting shading and cooling in public space
                    • Distributing ‘heat health kits’ containing personal cooling equipment and resources
                    • Creatively boosting public engagement with heat risk through artistic programming in partnership with the Sticky Institute, KINGS Artist-Run, and the Melbourne Women in Film Festival.

                    This pilot was developed through combining council, business, public health and community leader expertise. At the end of the project, The Heat Lab will undergo a full evaluation and the findings will be shared with other councils. Successful outcomes will also inform the expansion of City of Melbourne heat projects and programs in future.

                    More information

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