Melbourne braces for deadly heatwave as experts warn of rising health risks

As an El Niño summer approaches, health authorities caution that Melbourne will face a wave of heat-related health emergencies, from heart attacks to premature births. A Lancet Planetary Health study warns that people over 60 are especially at risk, while rising humidity hampers the body's cooling mechanisms. Professor Ollie Jay notes the economic toll of extreme heat exceeds $6 billion annually and stresses the need for cooling measures like air conditioning, street trees, shade structures and cool roofs.

Dr Sarah Robertson stresses retrofitting older housing to meet upcoming insulation and cooling standards for rentals. Colleagues Dr Rebecca Olive advocates for “cooling commons” such as safe, shaded public pools and river access, urging government funding for upgrades. The state’s plan to plant 100,000 trees in high-heat suburbs supports these mitigation efforts.