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Extreme Heat Awareness Day 2026

We're partnering with Sweltering Cities and communities across Australia to mark Extreme Heat Awareness Day on 4 February 2026 and drive action on extreme heat risks.

Why Extreme Heat Awareness Day matters

Extreme heat is Australia’s deadliest natural hazard. It causes more deaths than bushfires, cyclones, and floods combined. Rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense, putting lives at risk, especially vulnerable members of our community, including older people, those living alone, and people with health conditions.

While hot days often mean fun and celebrations, extreme heat can be dangerous. It’s vital to adapt your activities, plan ahead, and look after yourself and others this summer.

Our goal

Extreme Heat Awareness Day is about raising national awareness and empowering communities to take simple, life-saving actions by creating an extreme heat action plan. By understanding the risks and sharing this knowledge, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and those most at risk. Australia needs a National Extreme Heat Plan to ensure a consistent, proactive approach to reduce risk.

Simple steps to prepare for extreme heat

Get in the know: Speak to your GP about how heatwaves may affect you and download the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) app for reliable weather forecasts and warnings.

Get connected: Build support networks with neighbours, family, and friends, plan for heatwave safety together, and identify a cool place to go if needed during extreme heat.

Get organised: Plan for heatwave safety together, and identify a cool place to go if needed during extreme heat.

Get packing: Prepare a ‘cool kit’. Consider what essentials you may need at home, or to take with you in a heatwave such as water, cooling towel, fan and a hat.

Our commitment

Australian Red Cross has been helping communities prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters for over 110 years. With innovative programs, expert knowledge, and a network of trained, trauma-informed volunteers, we deliver practical support and help to build more resilient communities.

Red Cross pays our respects to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander custodians of the country where we work, and to Elders, past, present and emerging.

Learn about our Reconciliation Action Plan and how we can all make reconciliation real.

This website may contain the images, voices or names of people who have passed away.

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Australian Red Cross is registered as a charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, the national regulator of charities. Learn more at acnc.gov.auAustralian Red Cross was named Australia’s Most Trusted Charity 2025, highlighting the ongoing impact of its mission and the deep trust Australians place in the organisation.

© Australian Red Cross 2026. ABN 50 169 561 394