Heatwaves and hot weather
Hobart usually has much cooler weather than the rest of Australia, but sometimes we get multiple hot days and nights in a row, called heatwaves.
Heatwaves and individual days of hot weather can affect anyone. But some groups are more at risk of serious health impacts than others. Hot weather can also increase the risk of fires and smoke.
Some members of our community are particularly vulnerable to heatwaves and need to take special care. This includes:
- babies and young children
- older people, especially those living on their own
- people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- people who live on their own or who don't live close to others
- people who work outdoors or are physically active
- people with a chronic health condition or who take certain types of medications
- people experiencing homelessness.
It's important to know who is at risk, what can happen, how to stay safe and help keep others safe.
Understand your risk
Urban areas can be much hotter than surrounding areas (such as parks and bushland) due to the urban heat island effect. The Residential Heat Risk Map shows which suburbs are most affected and can help you to better understand your personal risk. Read the 2025 Hobart Residential Heat Risk Report(PDF, 3MB) for more in-depth information about the maps.
A useful tool to help you understand your risk is the HeatWatch website and app. HeatWatch can provide personalised risk information based on your lifestyle.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation cannot be seen or felt, but it causes sunburn. This can keep your body warm even when the temperature starts to go down. Check out the SunSmart website to learn more about UV radiation and how to protect yourself. Use their widget to see what the UV level is in your current location.
To understand fire risk, check our bushfire webpage or the Tasmania Fire Service website.
How to prepare for heatwaves
Heatwaves can impact anyone. But there are members of our community who are particularly vulnerable. They need to take special care during heatwaves.
Find more information on the Tasmanian Department of Health website.
You can make the following preparations before the hotter months of the year:
- Check local weather forecasts so you know when hot weather is coming and can plan ahead.
- Find ways to make your home or building cooler. This includes light coloured window coverings and awnings, blocking gaps around doors and windows, and shade cloth in the yard.
- Plant trees or shrubs to provide shade and reduce heat around your home. Choose species suited to Hobart's climate and avoid flammable plants near buildings.
- Check fans, air-conditioners, refrigerators and freezers are working properly before the beginning of summer.
- Ensure you have enough food, medicine and other supplies to avoid going out or if electricity supply is interrupted.
- If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor for advice on how to manage the heat and the best way to store any medication.
- Make a list of family, friends and neighbours you might want to check in on. Ensure you have their current contact details.
- Think about your pets and how you will keep them healthy, hydrated and cool.
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Check your suburb's heat risk using our Residential Heat Risk Map.
Stay protected during a heatwave
- Stay hydrated at home and when you are out. This map of drinking fountains shows where you can access drinking water easily in public spaces. Remember, let the water flow for a few seconds before drinking so you can make sure it is clear water.
- Check on family, friends and those most at risk – people age 65 years or older, young children, and people with chronic health issues.
- Choose lighter coloured and lighter weight clothing to help your body stay cool.
- Stay inside as much as possible. If you must go outside, stay out of the sun and seek shade, and wear light-weight clothing.
- At home, keep your curtains or blinds closed to keep the sun out.
- To keep your house even cooler, use air conditioning or a fan if you can.
- Make sure you follow food safety guidelines so you don't get sick.
- Check on your pets. If you have concerns about how your pet is coping with the heat, call your vet.
- Never leave people (especially babies or people with mobility needs) or pets unattended in your car for any length of time, no matter how short.
Did you know?
Fake grass, also know as turf, can be up to 80 per cent hotter than natural grass. Dark roofs can increase the temperature of the house/building by up to 11 degrees when compared to light coloured roofs.
Even though Hobart is in a cooler climate region that most cities, the Urban Heat Island phenomenon has been documented in Hobart as early as the 1970's. This means that some suburbs can be 1-7°C hotter than surrounding non-urban areas.
Well-designed and positioned shade has been shown to reduce overall UV exposure by 60 to 90 per cent. The lowest air and surface temperatures are consistently recorded under trees.