The heatwave affecting Australia has led to all-time temperature records being broken in some regions.
The ongoing heatwave has reached record levels across many parts of the country. In several states, temperatures exceeded 49 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to warn of an increased risk of wildfires.
According to local media reports, extreme summer heat continues to grip the country. In the state of Victoria, temperatures reached 48.9 degrees Celsius, breaking the highest temperature record in the state’s history.
In the states of New South Wales and South Australia, thermometers showed temperatures as high as 49 degrees Celsius.
How do high temperatures affect the human body?
Following record-breaking temperatures, experts noted that the human body regulates its temperature in hot weather mainly through sweating and by increasing blood flow to the skin.
Experts from the University of Sydney and the Australian National University stated that during this process the heart has to work harder, increasing heart rate in order to maintain stable blood pressure. Researchers emphasized that for people with heart disease, this significantly raises the risk of heart attacks.
Experts also highlighted that the lack of cooling during nighttime hours intensifies the negative health effects, noting a marked increase in hospital admissions for heart, kidney, and elderly-related conditions during periods of extreme heat.