Heat deaths on the rise as extreme weather intensifies

There are concerns the return of the El Nino weather pattern will lead to a spike in deaths. (Diego Fedele/AAP PHOTOS)

More people are being hospitalised and dying from extreme weather, with severe heat making up the bulk of injuries and deaths.

The number of hospital admissions from extreme weather, including heatwaves, bushfires and storms, has increased over the past decade, according to a new report from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.