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Heatwave Survival Tips For Your First Australian Summer

Heatwave Survival Tips for your first australian summer - Reeva Cutting

We all know that Australia is famous for its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and, of course, its intense summer heat. For some new arrivals Down Under, especially those from more moderate or cooler climates, the scorching temperatures can come as a bit of a shock. 

Here in Perth especially, summer heatwaves are a regular occurrence, with temperatures often being in the mid-30°C and sometimes soaring above 40°C. Staying safe and comfortable during your first Aussie summer requires preparation and a few smart strategies.

Here are my essential heatwave survival tips for your first Australian summer to help you get through these sweltering days or weeks.

Heatwave Survival Tips For Your First Australian Summer

1. Stay Hydrated

This might sound obvious, but staying hydrated is absolutely crucial in the Australian summer. Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly in extreme heat. It’s important to always carry a reusable water bottle and refill it throughout the day. This has become a habit in our house – winter or summer!

Aim to drink at least two to three litres of water daily, and even more if you’re physically active. Including electrolyte drinks can be helpful if you’re sweating heavily, but try to avoid sugary options. Watch for signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dark urine, or headaches.

2. Dress for the Heat

What you wear can make a big difference in how you cope with the heat. 

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen, and opt for loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing to reflect the sun’s rays. Wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective sunglasses are essential for outdoor activities to shield yourself from the sun.

3. Protect Your Skin

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so sun protection is vital. 

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+ and apply it generously to all exposed skin. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, and your feet. 

Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Seeking shade whenever possible, particularly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when UV levels are at their peak, is also important.

I remember my first summer here after moving from the UK and I was constantly seeking out the sun and being out in it as much as I could. By my second summer, it was the complete opposite and I was always walking in the shaded part of the street to stay cool and out of the harsh sun!

4. Keep Your Home Cool

A sweltering home can make summer unbearable, but there are ways to cool down your living space. If you are one of the unlucky few with no air-con, or it’s broken down, you can keep your home cooler by closing your curtains and blinds during the day to block out heat, and use fans strategically by placing bowls of ice in front of them for a cooling breeze. 

Investing in energy-efficient air conditioning can make a significant difference if it’s within your budget. At night, open windows to let in cooler air if it’s safe to do so.

We have solar panels now which make a huge difference to our power bills so I feel less guilty about putting it on during the really hot days. We don’t tend to use our air con unless it’s more than 35 or so degrees, as the houses are built to keep cool (sadly in winter as much as summer!).

5. Plan Your Activities Wisely

Timing is everything when it comes to staying safe in the heat. 

Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day. 

Take advantage of air-conditioned spaces like shopping centres, libraries, and cinemas to escape the heat when necessary. When it’s hot in Perth, you know the shopping centres are going to be busy!

6. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Recognising heat-related conditions can help you take action before they become serious. 

Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and nausea, while heatstroke, a medical emergency, may cause confusion, rapid pulse, and loss of consciousness. If someone shows signs of heatstroke, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

7. Fire Safety Awareness

Bushfires are a sad reality during Australian summers, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas. 

Staying informed about fire risks through apps like Bushfire IO and Emergency WA or local news is essential. Having an emergency plan and a go-bag ready with essentials can help you act quickly if needed. Familiarising yourself with fire danger ratings and warnings will also keep you prepared.

8. Enjoying Summer Safely

Despite the heat, there are plenty of ways to make the most of summer in Australia. 

Visiting shaded beaches or rivers for a refreshing dip is a popular option. If you can take your own shades with you to ensure you have respite from the heat.

Water parks and swimming pools offer family-friendly fun, while shaded picnics or BBQs in parks with plenty of trees provide a relaxing way to spend time outdoors. Here’s my list of the best water parks in Perth, including aquatic centres and leisure centres.

9. Manage Your Vehicle

Cars can become dangerously hot in just a few minutes during summer. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a short time. 

Using sunshades on the front and rear windscreens can help reduce interior temperatures. Keeping a small cooler bag with chilled water bottles for longer drives is a good idea, and ensuring that your vehicle’s air conditioning is working properly before the season starts is essential for comfortable travel. Regassing your air con is a huge thing here – I’d never heard of this before we moved to Australia!

10. Embrace the Aussie Summer Lifestyle

Most Australians have learned to live with the sweltering summer heat and still enjoy life to the fullest. 

Take inspiration from locals who embrace outdoor dining and beachside living. Trying summer staples like icy poles (with Zooper Doopers being a favourite – there are even new fairy floss flavoured ones!), chilled watermelon, and seafood feasts can enhance your summer experience. 

Participating in community events, sunset markets, or twilight concerts will also help you soak up the summer vibes during the cooler part of summer days.

Surviving your first Australian summer may seem daunting, but with my heatwave survival tips, you’ll not only cope with the heat but thrive. Keep cool, stay safe, and don’t forget to enjoy the beauty and adventure that comes with life Down Under.

About Author

Helping you move to, settle in, and explore your new home in Australia. Avid reader, beach lover, and horse addict. As someone who has emigrated, not once, not twice, but three times, I know exactly what you’re going through. The ups and downs of emigration are faster than a rollercoaster and I’ve been there – three times!

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