An advice message has being issued by the Emergency Management Commissioner warning of extreme heat in Mallee, Wimmera, North Central, Northern Country, South West, West and South Gippsland, Central Districts of Victoria.

  • Temperatures at or above heat health thresholds have been forecast for tonight, 28 January 2018.
  • It has been hot today and will stay hot overnight.
  • Consecutive days of hot weather, and hot nights, increase the risk for vulnerable people.
  • A cool change will gradually move across Victoria from tomorrow morning. The change will extend from the southwest. With the change temperatures will drop although it will still be humid.

Protect your health:

Heat can make anyone sick, with people over 65, the very young and those with a pre-existing medical condition being the most at risk.

Heat related illness can range from mild conditions, such as a rash or cramps, to heat stroke - which is life threatening. It is vital to monitor your health and the health of those around you. Act early.

You should be aware of the risk of heat related illness and take actions early to keep yourself and others safe. Check on family and friends who are most at risk of heat related illness.

What you should do:

  • Drink water Even if you do not feel thirsty, drink water. (Unless your doctor has told you otherwise). Take a bottle with you always.
  • Hot cars kill Never leave kids, adults or pets in cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double within minutes.
  • Keep cool Seek out air-conditioned buildings, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light, loose clothing made from natural fabrics.
  • Plan ahead Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water with you.
  • Help others Look after those most at risk in the heat - your friends and family or your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young, people with a medical condition and do not forget your pets.

After the temperature cools:

  • After the temperature drops it is important to cool your house by opening windows, using a fan, or using air-conditioning.
  • Cooling your house will help give you a break from the heat.

Impacts in your area:

  • It will be humid tonight and tomorrow. Humidity increases the discomfort of hot weather.
  • The cool change is forecast to reach the Wimmera soon after midday tomorrow.

Where to get help:

  • Call Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24 for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days).
  • Your doctor - if you, or someone you know, may be suffering from a heat-related illness.
  • In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
  • Survive the heat information is available in several languages.

Stay informed:

  • Via www.emergency.vic.gov.au.
  • Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.
  • Call the VicEmergency Hotline to talk to someone about this warning on 1800 226 226 (freecall).
  • People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have a speech/communication impairment can contact VicEmergency Hotline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677.
  • For help with English, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 (freecall) and ask them to telephone VicEmergency Hotline. If you know someone who cannot speak English, provide them with this number.
  • Download the VicEmergency app or follow VicEmergency on Twitter (#survivetheheat) or Facebook.