Heat is Australia’s ‘silent killer’. Here are the symptoms to watch out for

Public health authorities suggest staying well hydrated during a heatwave – drinking between six to eight glasses of water each day, and avoiding alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks. Photograph: Emilio Morenatti/AP

Australia’s southern states are baking in the most significant heatwave since the 2019-20 black summer. Temperatures surpassing 40C have been recorded in many parts of the country, including Melbourne and Adelaide.

But experts warn that the heat people actually experience could far exceed what is forecast – because the Bureau of Meteorology measures air temperature in the shade.