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What is a heat wave?
 Heatwaves are perhaps our most under-rated and least studied natural hazard. During the 20th century heatwaves have probably caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural calamity. Heat can also cause expensive livestock and crop losses as well as damage to roads, railways, bridges, etc. A heat wave is a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and usually humid weather. It can last from several days to several weeks. Heat waves form when an air mass becomes stationary over a region. Hot humid air masses form over the the sea, while hot dry air masses form over the desert. Also a heat wave occurs when a high pressure system becomes stationary just off the shore. The winds on the back side of the High continue to pump hot, humid air North Eastward resulting in a spell of hot and humid weather in much of the states.
Why are heat waves so dangerous?
Heat kills by taxing the human body beyond its abilities. In a normal year, hundreds in India and Pakistan succumb to the demands of summer heat. 46 C temperatures across central India claim dozens of lives.
 Despite rains, ground water supplies are shrinking because deforestation encourages rain to flow directly into rivers rather first replenishing underground aquifers. Among the large continental family of natural hazards, only the cold of winter - not lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes - takes a greater toll. In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation. And these are the direct casualties. No one can know how many more deaths are advanced by heat wave weather - how many diseased or aging hearts surrender, which under better conditions would have continued functioning.
Who is most susceptible to heat related illnesses?
 Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight & alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.
Heat stress and risk
- Every summer people suffer from heat stress when the body absorbs more heat than it can dispel.
- Prompt action on your part will avoid the serious, or even fatal, consequences of fully-developed heat stroke.
 Those most at risk are young children, elderly people, people with alcohol, weight or health problems, and people on medications/drugs which have a dehydrating effect or reduce perspiration.
How to avoid heat stress?
Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, porous clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid strenuous activities and drink 2 to 3 litres of water per day, even if you aren't thirsty. Limit your intake of alcoholic and carbonated soft drinks. Don’t take salt tablets unless prescribed by a doctor. Try to avoid heavy protein foods (for example. meat, dairy products, etc.) which raise body heat and increase fluid loss.
 Keep your home cool with curtains, shutters or awnings on the sunny sides and leave your windows open at night. If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans and damp towels, etc. to stay cool. Have cool showers when and if possible. Avoid direct sunlight as much as you can. Use strong sunscreen, as sunburn limits the body's ability to cope with heat. If you begin to suffer chronic illness or feel unwell, see a doctor immediately.
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