On this page
- extreme hot weather
- severe winter weather
- reducing risks when travelling to locations where severe weather occurs
Extreme hot weather
Some destinations experience extreme hot weather or heatwaves in summer. Travelling in extreme heat can be dangerous, especially if you're not used to it.
Extreme hot weather basics
- Humidity. High levels of humidity can make it seem hotter than it is. Humidity makes it harder for your body to cool itself through sweating. High humidity can also make it harder to breathe deeply and can trigger asthma and other breathing disorders.
- Heat-related illnesses. You can get sick when the body can't cool itself properly. This can cause illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat cramps. Heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal if not treated.
- UV and sun exposure. UV radiation can be dangerously high during periods of extreme heat and cause sunburn in as little as 11 minutes. Severe sunburn is extremely painful and can require medical treatment.
Extreme hot weather can happen anywhere but is more common in destinations closest to the equator.
Staying safe in the heat
If you're travelling during extreme hot weather, plan your days to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day. If you go out in the heat, rest often and stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Drink plenty of water. Even if you're not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.
- Wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-coloured clothing.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking or biking in extreme hot weather. Particularly if you're not usually active or used to high temperatures.
Heat-related illnesses
Many heat-related illnesses are mild and can be treated by getting out of the heat and drinking water. But some can be serious and need immediate medical attention. Heat-related illnesses include:
- heat exhaustion
- heat cramps
- sunburn
- heat rash
- heatstroke.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Heat exhaustion is usually mild. But if you don't treat it, heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke. Heatstroke is a medical emergency and must be treated as soon as possible. It can cause organ damage and even death if not treated promptly.
Get out of the heat, cool off and hydrate if you notice signs of heat exhaustion, such as:
- heavy sweating
- cold, pale and clammy skin
- fast, weak pulse
- nausea or vomiting
- muscle cramps
- tiredness or weakness
- dizziness
- headache
- fainting.
Seek emergency medical attention if you or your travelling companion begin to experience signs of heatstroke:
- sudden high body temperature (40 degrees celsius or higher)
- hot, red, dry skin, possibly with no sweat
- fast, strong pulse and shallow breathing
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- confusion, slurred speech
- aggressive or strange behaviour
- seizures or losing consciousness.
If someone is suffering from heatstroke
Get them to a cool place and help them sip water while waiting for medical help. Try to cool them off by:
- removing excess clothing
- spraying or sponging them with water
- immersing their hands and feet or whole body in cool water
- placing cold packs in their armpits, groin or on the back of their neck.
Don't give someone suffering from heatstroke painkillers. It can make it worse.
For more information on hot weather risks and heat illnesses, visit HealthDirect.
Severe winter weather
Some destinations experience severe winter weather. This not only affects flights, it can lead to hypothermia, frostbite and death.
Severe winter weather basics
Severe winter weather can include extreme cold, heavy snow, blizzards, freezing rain and whiteouts. Aside from impacting air travel and road travel, it can bring serious health and safety risks if you're not prepared.
- Extreme cold. In winter, many destinations experience average temperatures below -20 C. Even in well populated cities of Northern Europe and North America. Cold snaps combined with wind-chill factors can push this below -40 C.
- Hypothermia and frostbite. If exposed to extreme cold, travellers are at of risk of frostbite and hypothermia (Victorian Government). Even a few minutes of exposure can lead to gangrene or death.
- Heavy snow. Great for snow sports, not for getting around. Heavy snow can block roads and runways for hours or days. If not cleared quickly enough, it can also trap people in cars and buildings.
- Ice. Ice makes walkways, stairs, roads and runways hazardous. On foot, it's easy to slip over. Even when wearing practical boots. Car accidents are common, especially from black ice. Planes can't land on icy runways.
- Visibility. Blizzards can reduce or eliminate visibility. This is more often an issue for skiers and snowboarders who get stuck in a whiteout. It also impacts those driving. If you can't even see a few metres ahead, you could get lost. Or have an accident.
Destinations where severe winter weather is common
Typically, destinations further from the equator and at higher altitudes experience more extreme cold weather events.
North America
- United States. Especially in the northern states like Washington, North Dakota, Michigan, New York and Alaska. Also in more mountainous areas of southern states. This includes California and Utah.
- Canada. Most Canadian provinces experience extreme cold weather in January and February. Average minimum temperatures in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec often fall below -10 C.
Europe
Russia experiences the most extreme cold weather in Europe. In both major cities, and in mountainous areas.
Other parts of Europe don't experience the same extreme cold as Russia or North America. However, many experience heavy snow, blizzards and ice storms. This includes :
Other parts of the world
Many mountainous areas around the world experience severe winter weather. Even in destinations in typically warmer climates.
In South America, many areas along the Andes mountain range can experience heavy snow, cold snaps and blizzards. As do low-lying areas further south. This includes:
Reducing risks and issues from any severe weather event
If you choose to travel to a destination during a season when severe weather is likely, be prepared. Gather information, be informed and be prepared. Before you go
- Read the travel advice. See our advice for your destination. Check the natural disasters section for information specific to your destination.
- Subscribe for updates. Subscribe to get an email when we update the travel advice for your destination.
- Get travel insurance. Make sure your insurance policy covers you for cancellations, or changes, if severe weather hits before you go. Also check you're covered if there's severe weather while you're away.
- Pack appropriately. Be prepared for severe weather or natural disaster. One of the smartest things you can pack is a compact wind-up or battery operated radio and torch. When power and communication networks fail, you and others will depend on it for critical updates.
- Watch the weather. Keep up to date with the local weather before you go. And while you're away. Pay particular attention to cyclone and other disaster warnings and reports in the region.
The Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS) reports on cyclones, floods and other natural disasters worldwide. See current disaster alerts (GDACS).
How to get help overseas if there's a severe weather event
- Local emergency services. They're the experts on what to do in an emergency in your destination. We publish local contact numbers in the travel advisory for each destination.
- Hospital. If you or a travel companion get frostbite or hypothermia, get medical assistance as soon as possible. You must deal with it quickly, and correctly to prevent gangrene, shock and/or death.
- Hotel manager or tour guide. They may know what to do, where to go for safety and where you can get help locally.
- Travel companions. Look after each other. Help them if they're in need.
- Friends and family back home. They may not be able to help you on the ground, however may help in other ways. They could help change your travel plans, talk to your insurer or send you money.
- Travel insurance. Most insurers have 24-hour emergency hotlines you can call from overseas. If you're covered, they may provide logistical support, as well as financial.
Read the Consular Service Charter to understand how the Australian Government may help you overseas.
Read more
- If you're already travelling and need help, see what to do if there's extreme weather and natural disasters.
- In some extreme weather events overseas, we may initiate a crisis response. This could include activating a crisis page and an emergency contact form.
- Understand how and when we may help. Read the Consular Services Charter.
See also
- The global authority on severe weather reporting is the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
- Learn about current disasters, from the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System (GDACS).
- See tips on how to stay safe in extreme cold (Consumer Reports).
- Learn more about how to stay safe indoors during a winter storm (US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention).