In the summer of 1939 - 1940, it is estimated that 112 people died as a result of a 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 the 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