The longest heatwave in Melbourne was in 1908, from January 15 to January 20 when there were five consecutive days over 40C. It is estimated that 246 people died as a result of the heatwave.

Mortality during heatwaves can be difficult to measure, as deaths tend to occur from exacerbations of chronic medical conditions as well as direct heat related illness, particularly in the frail and elderly. Excess mortality provides a measure of impact but does not provide information specifically on underlying cause of death (Victorian Government, January 2009 Heatwave in Victoria: an Assessment of Health Impacts).

It is imperative that heatwaves are included in the disaster information, however, for reasons outlined above accurate statistics as to the actual numbers of deaths and injuries in most instances cannot be provided.