HEALTH ALERT Extreme Heatwave Warning for Kimberley and North Interior Districts

UPDATE as of 15:30hrs 20 December: THREAT IS REDUCED - for people in parts of the KIMBERLEY in the Broome and Derby areas.

Conditions are easing in the area, with severe to low intensity heatwave conditions over much of northern WA.

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An Extreme Heatwave ADVICE Warning has been issued for parts of the Kimberley and North Interior Districts and are expected to increase in area and extend westward.

Locations likely to be impacted include Balgo Hill, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra, Kalumburu, Kiwirrkurra and Wyndham.

Temperatures during this time are expected to remain above 40 degrees.

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 Healthy WA here.