HEALTH ALERT UPDATE: Extreme Heatwave Warning for the East Kimberley

UPDATE as at 13 December 2022: ALL CLEAR

This extreme heatwave Watch and Act warning is no longer in place.

An Extreme Heatwave WATCH AND ACT Warning has been issued for areas of the Kimberley.

Areas affected include Wyndham, Kununurra, Kalumburu and nearby communities. This heatwave will also affect large sections of the Great North West Highway between Roebuck and Kununurra. 

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting an EXTREME heatwave to impact the affected areas and is likely to last until Monday, 12 December.

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.

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 Meteorolog