In the summer of 1895 - 1896 it is estimated that 431 people died as a result of a heatwave.
It was reported in the North Queensland Register that Condobolin registered 47 degrees C in the shade, and water is so scarce the selectors are carting supplies for stock for miles. Many people in Western Sydney and surrounding areas saught refuge in the Blue Mountains during this time.

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.