Brisbane’s recent burst of extreme heat and strong thunderstorms has shown how quickly the weather can affect our health. Heat, humidity, and poor air quality can worsen existing conditions and cause new symptoms. At One Health Clinics West End, we help individuals and families stay safe and prepared during Queensland’s toughest weather months. We see, in both in-person and telehealth appointments, how seasonal changes can lead to problems like dehydration, breathing difficulties, and skin issues.
Understanding these risks is important, especially when the weather changes suddenly. Many people also ask whether a rash or skin irritation during a heatwave needs a skin care check. Often, the answer is yes. Heat, friction, and sweating can all trigger or worsen skin problems, and it’s worth having them assessed.
Heatwave Health Risks
Queensland summers are typically hot, but recent weather patterns have increased temperatures and prolonged their duration. This puts extra strain on the body. It’s not just older adults or people with chronic illnesses who are affected—healthy people can also develop heat stress, especially when exercising, becoming dehydrated, or spending too long in the sun.
People often ask, “How do I know if heat exhaustion is becoming something more serious?” Early warning signs include:
- Dizziness or feeling light‑headed
- Persistent headache
- Nausea
- Fast heartbeat
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
As heat illness worsens, sweating may stop, confusion may set in, and the person can become drowsy, have trouble speaking clearly, or struggle to stay alert. These symptoms indicate a medical emergency, so please contact triple zero (000) without delay.
Parents also ask whether children become unwell faster in heatwaves. Yes, they do. Young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions are more at risk because their bodies don’t regulate temperature as well. That’s why we encourage families to check up on neighbours, friends, and relatives during periods of extreme heat.
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Protecting yourself from heat doesn’t have to be complicated. Small steps can make a big difference:
- Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel very thirsty
- Wear light, loose, breathable clothing
- Stay in the shade or in air‑conditioned areas when possible
People often ask, “Is it safe to exercise during a heatwave?” We usually suggest avoiding hard exercise outdoors in the middle of the day, when temperatures are highest. If you want to exercise, aim for early morning or late afternoon, and keep your fluids up.
You can also keep your home cooler by:
- Closing blinds and curtains
- Using fans or air conditioning
- Reducing direct sunlight entering the house
Never leave children, pets, or vulnerable adults in a parked car, even for a short time. Temperatures inside cars can rise rapidly and become life‑threatening within minutes.
If you feel unwell, have ongoing headaches, or have signs of dehydration (such as very dark urine, dry mouth, or feeling faint), our team can assess you and check for heat‑related problems. If you notice rashes, irritation, or unusual skin changes during hot weather, we can also perform a skin care check and suggest treatment.
Thunderstorm Asthma and Storm Safety
Brisbane’s storms bring more than heavy rain, thunder, and lightning. For some people, they can also trigger breathing problems. During a storm front, pollen can break down into tiny particles that are easily inhaled, which can lead to sudden asthma symptoms even in people who don’t usually think of themselves as having asthma.
A common question is, “Can stormy weather really cause asthma if I just have mild hay fever?” Unfortunately, yes. Thunderstorm asthma can affect people with:
Hay fever
Allergic rhinitis
Unrecognised or mild asthma
Symptoms to watch for during or just after a storm include:
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
To reduce risk:
- Stay indoors while storm fronts pass
- Keep windows and doors closed
- Use preventer medication as prescribed if you have one
- Keep your reliever inhaler with you at all times
If you have asthma or hay fever, make sure your management plan is up to date, especially in storm season. Our doctors can review your plan, adjust medications, and give you advice tailored to your situation.
Power Outages and Medication
Unexpected power cuts from thunderstorms can pose a problem if you use medication that requires cold storage. Insulin, some injections, and certain eye drops can lose their effectiveness if they get too warm.
If the power goes out:
- Keep the fridge door closed as much as possible
- Note how long the power has been off
- Consider using an insulated container with ice packs for important medicines if the outage is likely to last
People often ask, “What should I do if I’m unsure whether my refrigerated medication is still safe?” The safest choice is to contact our clinic for advice. We can help you decide whether:
- The medication should be replaced
- A temporary alternative is needed
- You need a different storage plan during long outages
When to See a GP
Hot weather and storms can have lasting effects on your health. It’s important to know when to book an appointment.
You should see a GP if you notice:
- Persistent headaches or fatigue
- Ongoing signs of dehydration
- New or worsening breathing difficulties
- Asthma that flares more often or is harder to control
- A big increase in allergy or hay fever symptoms
This is also a good time for a skin check, especially if you notice:
- Heat rash
- Redness or ongoing itching
- New or changing spots, rashes, or patches of skin
Many people ask, “Is a summer rash something to worry about?” Heat can worsen eczema, fungal infections, and dermatitis. Sun damage may also become more noticeable. Getting checked early helps rule out more serious problems and allows for timely treatment.
If heat is affecting your sleep, mood, or ability to think clearly, our doctors can help you work out whether hydration, environment, or another health issue is playing a role.
We can also support you with:
- Asthma action plans
- Heat‑related illness advice
- General health checks tailored to the summer months
Stay Safe, Brisbane
Brisbane’s combination of intense heat and fast‑moving storms can be tough, but being prepared and paying attention to symptoms makes a big difference. Simple steps; staying hydrated, seeking shade, keeping medications safe, and following medical advice can help protect your health through the season.
If you’re experiencing heat‑related symptoms, breathing changes, or concerns about your skin, the team at One Health Clinics West End is here to help.
You can book an appointment for guidance, a skin check, or support managing symptoms during heat and storm season either in the clinic or via telehealth from anywhere in Australia.