06/01/2026
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued a warning for Severe heatwave conditions across Canberra and forecast Severe to Extreme heatwave will peak later this week.
The Emergency Services Agency (ESA) has issued an Advice level alert to the community with advice on how to stay safe.
It is important for everyone to be aware of and prepared for hot temperatures.
Look after yourself and check in on your friends and family on warm days, especially those who have an increased risk of heat-related illness.
People who are most at risk of heat-related illness are:
• babies and young children
• people over the age of 65
• people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• people with existing medical conditions
• people with disability
• people on medications which affect the way their bodies respond to hot weather (talk to your GP, pharmacist or other healthcare provider about this)
• people who work outdoors.
Prevention
• Plan your day around the heat - avoid being outdoors during the hottest parts of the day as much as possible. If you need to go outside, seek shade or shelter.
• Be SunSmart - wear light, loose fitting clothing, a hat and sunglasses, use SPF 30 (or higher) sunscreen.
• Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Carry water with you if you are spending time outdoors.
• Stay indoors and use fans or air-conditioners or head to a shopping centre or another cool indoor public place, such as your local library (check opening hours).
• Close curtains and blinds to block out the sun and reduce heat inside your home.
• Set your air conditioner to 23 degrees or higher to maximise energy efficiency and comfort. At extremely high temperatures (around 39 degrees and above), fans can be less effective at keeping someone cool and may worsen heat stress.
• Limit physical activity (e.g. household chores or exercise) to early in the morning when it is coolest.
Talk to your GP
• Check how your medical condition/s or medication might affect your health in the heat.
• Ask about how much water you should drink in hot weather, especially if you normally limit your fluids.
If you become unwell
• Take actions to cool down and hydrate if you notice any symptoms of heat-related illness, such as:
o headaches
o dizziness
o fainting
o nausea and vomiting.
Get help
• Seek help if you are concerned. If you or someone in your care becomes very unwell from heat-related illness: o call Health direct on 1800 022 222 for health advice
o contact your GP
o visit a Walk-in Centre for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses.
• In an emergency call triple zero (000) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
For further health advice visit the ACT Government website (www.act.gov.au/health) and search ‘summer safety’.
Community Information
• For life-threatening emergencies, dial triple zero (000)
• For heatwave updates, visit (https://www.esa.act.gov.au)
• For health related information visit (https://www.health.act.gov.au)
• For power outage information visit (https://www.evoenergy.com.au)
