23 January 2026
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Heatwaves and extreme temperatures can lead to serious health risks. Health professionals are key to identifying, managing and preventing heat-related illnesses.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a heatwave warning valid for Friday 23 January 2026 to Monday 26 January 2026.
As of Friday 23 January 2026, the severe heatwave warning is for: Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North East and East Gippsland. Refer to the Victorian heatwave warning webpage for the latest updates.
Extreme heat – patients at risk
Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell. These groups are at greater risk of heat-related problems, such as heatstroke:
- people aged over 65 years
- babies and young children
- females who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- people with existing medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney disease and mental illness
- people who work outdoors
- people who are overweight or with obesity
- people who are taking certain prescription medicines
- people who are socially isolated or homeless
Resources for health professionals
- Department of Health – Extreme heat – information for clinicians
- Department of Health – Extreme heat and heatwaves
- HealthPathways Melbourne – Heat-related Illness
- RACGP – Heat health in general practice: An evidence-based approach to the prevention of heat-related illness
- RACGP – Heat illnesses: a hot topic in the setting of global climate change
- National Centre for Farmer Health – Heat stress and heat stroke
Resources for patients
- How to take care of yourself in a heatwave | healthdirect
- Better Health Channel – Extreme heat (available in multiple languages)
- Department of Health – Extreme heat factsheets (available in multiple languages)
Stay informed
- emergency.vic.gov.au
- VicEmergency Hotline: Free call 1800 226 226
- VicEmergency app
- Vic Emergency on Facebook
