Severe Heatwave Warning – Those at Risk – Care Recommendations

As you may be aware, NSW Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for areas including the Sydney metropolitan area for Wednesday December 3 through Saturday 6 December 2025. Heatwaves are periods of unusually hot weather. Before, during and after a period of hot weather it’s important to keep cool and stay hydrated by drinking water.

Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many of our patients, especially elderly, pregnant women, babies, children, and people with chronic medical conditions. Heat-related illness can affect anyone and includes heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Dehydration can increase the risk of developing a heat-related illness.

During this heatwave period,  the following recommendations are relevant for our patients and our community:

• Use air-conditioning if available to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. Use electric fans if air-conditioning is not available.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothes.
• Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day as much as possible. If you have to go outside, seek shade or shelter.
• Close curtains and blinds to block out the sun.
• Spend time in the coolest area of your home.
• Limit physical activity, for example household chores or exercise, to early in the morning when it is coolest.
• Use stoves and ovens as little as possible as these can heat up the home.
• Wet your skin with cool water using a spray bottle or a damp sponge or cloth.
• Place cool packs or crushed ice in a damp towel loosely over your neck and shoulders.
• Take cool showers or baths, or sit for a while with your feet in cool water.
• Seek out cool places or air-conditioned public facilities in your local area, if you can safely travel without getting too hot.
• When it becomes cooler outside, open your windows and doors to allow warm air out and let the cool air in.
• Drink plenty of water regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty: If your doctor has asked that you limit your fluid intake, ask how much water you should drink during hot weather.
• Do not replace your water intake with alcoholic or sugary drinks.
• Carry water with you if you will spend time outdoors.
• Seek medical advice if you feel unwell.

For more information, the following links give further more specific advice,  Beat the heat advice  and the heat risk: people over 65 advice.