Australia urged to name heatwaves to combat dangers of extreme temperatures

Heatwaves have already increased in intensity, frequency and duration in Australia and the trend is projected to continue due to the climate crisis. Photograph: Darren England/AAP

Australia should follow the Spanish city of Seville and start naming its heatwaves as part of measures to help communities cope with the rising risks from extreme temperatures, according to a new report.

Naming heatwaves could be part of enabling a “heat culture” where communities prepare for extreme temperature events in the same way they plan for the arrival of named cyclones, the report said.