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https://www.theguardian.com/environment/datablog/2026/mar/04/australia-summer-heatwave-hottest-record>
"Australia’s summer was one of the hottest since measurements began, with more
than 60 weather stations recording their highest ever daily maximum
temperatures during a heatwave in January.
But it wasn’t just the days that were sweltering – Australia experienced the
fifth-warmest summertime night temperatures on record.
Looking at Bureau of Meteorology data, we found at least nine weather stations
that recorded consecutive days (almost all on 28, 29 and 30 of January) when
minimum temperatures remained in the 30s or high 20s through the night.
High night-time temperatures can prolong pressure on our cardiovascular system,
kidneys and even mental health. The disturbed sleep can also hamper recovery
from the hot days.
This is especially worrying for older Australians, and those with comorbidities
(it’s estimated more than 4.5 million Australians live with cardiovascular
disease), or who either can’t or can’t afford to ameliorate hot temperatures
with fans or air conditioning.
“The vast majority of people that are turning up to hospitals, and that are
vulnerable to heat events, are really turning up with other chronic conditions
that get worse during these heat events,” says Dr Aaron Bach from Griffith
University.
“So for instance, cardiovascular disease, renal conditions or kidney
conditions, pulmonary conditions, even mental health illnesses. All these are
exacerbated during the heat and the heat really finds the weak link within
these comorbidities.”
Heatwaves are the climate hazard that cause the most deaths – more than half of
in the most disadvantaged areas .
Extreme heat is also becoming more common – climate change is leading to an
increase in the frequency and intensity of maximum and minimum temperatures. A
recent CSIRO report found that “very high night-time temperatures” are now seen
five times more often than in the period 1960-1988."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
