Media Release
Northern Territory Government
NT Health Extreme heat health alert issued across Northern Territory
8 December 2022
NT Health is issuing an extreme heat health warning with high temperatures expected across Darwin and the rural area, Katherine, Nhulunbuy and surrounding areas.
The NT is currently experiencing severe to extreme heat with an Emergency Health Warning issued for the Arnhem, Barkly, Carpentaria, Daly, Gregory and Tanami districts from today and into the weekend. A Watch and Act alert has been issued for the Tiwi district.
Extreme heat warnings form part of a new Australian Warning System and are issued when maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to be unusually hot over a three-day period.
Forecast minimum and maximum temperatures are also compared to the long-term history of a location as well as temperatures over the last 30 days.
NT Health encourages all residents and visitors to take appropriate precautions to avoid heat stress (also known as heat stroke) and dehydration.
To avoid heat related illness the community should:
• Stay cool in air-conditioning where possible or seek out shady areas with a breeze
• Drink cold or iced water
• Decrease physical activity
• Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose clothes and a wide-brimmed hat
• Get into cold water or apply cold substances to the body
• Use fans and damp towels if you don't have air-conditioning
Symptoms of heat stress:
• Tiredness and lethargy
• Headache
• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion leading to poor decision making
• Muscle cramps
• Feeling thirsty
• Urinating less often
People who feel they may be suffering from heat stress should take immediate action to bring their temperature down. If symptoms persist, they should seek medical advice. If they are worried, they should call triple zero (000) immediately.
