HEALTH ALERT Extreme Heatwave Warning for the Kimberley

An Extreme Heatwave ADVICE Warning has been issued for areas of the Kimberley – including Balgo Hill, Fitzroy Crossing, Kununurra, Kalumburu, Wyndham, and those travelling between Broome and Derby, surrounding areas and remote communities.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting an EXTREME heatwave to impact the affected Kimberley areas from Friday 9 December and could last until early next week.

Daytime temperatures in the low to mid-forties are expected over much of the interior and northern WA away from the coast. Overnight temperatures expected to be generally in the mid to high twenties, reaching around 30 degrees in places in the north.

Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.

Take extra care to prevent dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke.

Health safety advice:

• Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.
• Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.
• If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol as it contributes to dehydration;
• Apply sunscreen regularly; and
• Never leave a person or pet in a closed car.

If you have an acute or chronic medical condition, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to stay safe and if you find yourself in an emergency call 000.

For information on staying safe during a heatwave visit HealthyWA - Heatwaves, For information on working in the heat visit Working Safely in Hot Conditions.

For the latest heatwave forecast visit Bureau of Meteorology