Gary Dunnett, CEO, NPA NSW
Don’t walk in extreme heat and be prepared to change plans if conditions change.
NPA activities generally take place in outdoor settings that are exposed to the weather.
Weather systems that generate extreme heat, commonly known as heatwaves, increase the potential for heat-induced illness. The adverse impacts of extreme heat are exacerbated by high humidity and physically demanding activities such as bushwalking.
Most NPA activities are scheduled months ahead and it is not possible to forecast more than generalisations about the season. For this reason NPA has developed clear guidance on the situations under which scheduled activities should be modified or cancelled.
Summary
Extreme heat not only generates bushfires and thunderstorms but can also cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting. If untreated this can progress to confusion, unsteadiness, aggression and an altered level of consciousness. Heat-related illness must be recognised as a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
- Before and on the day of an outdoor activity leaders should check the BOM forecast for the weather stations most relevant to the proposed route, being aware that forecasts for coastal weather stations are likely to be more moderate than adjoining inland areas.
- If either the predicted ‘air temperature’ or ‘feels like’ temperature exceeds 38 degrees centigrade outdoor activities should be cancelled.
- If either the predicted ‘air temperature’ or ‘feels like’ temperature exceeds 32 degrees centigrade, grade 3 and above activities should only proceed if the leader is confident that the conditions along the route provide sufficient opportunities for shade, rest and cooling to mitigate the risk of heat-induced illness.
- If either the predicted ‘air temperature’ or ‘feels like’ temperature for any day of a multi-day walk exceeds 32 degrees centigrade, the leader should include opportunities to modify the route or its duration in response to the weather, illness or fire.
- Activities affected by a closure notice issued by a land manager or the Rural Fire Service must be cancelled.
Link to full policy: https://npansw.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NPA-Extreme-Heat-Policy-for-Activities.pdf