28/01/2026
“Hot enough to fry an egg on the pavement” is a line most of us know well - a joke we roll out every summer as the heat rises.
But beneath the humour lies a serious truth: Extreme heat isn’t just a weather event – it physically reshapes our communities.
Daily routines change as people avoid the hottest parts of the day, spaces not designed for extreme heat turn from places of refuge into sources of risk.
Research by VicHealth fellow Dr Rongbin Xu shows that extreme heat hits some communities harder than others - particularly older people, those with health conditions, and people working outdoors.
So as the hot weather continues for parts of Victoria, how can we stay safe?
💧 Drink water regularly
🌳 Spend time in cool, shaded or air-conditioned spaces
🏃 Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat
🤍 Check in on friends, family and neighbours who may need extra support
Small actions can make a big difference - for you and for the people around you.
For more tips on staying cool, follow Victorian Council of Social Service, Victorian Department of Health and Monash Health.