Victoria’s Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie advises a high risk of epidemic thunderstorm asthma forecast for the Mallee and North Central districts tomorrow (Friday 24 November 2023).
The combination of high grass pollen levels and thunderstorms with strong winds means that there is a chance that a large number of people may develop asthma symptoms over a short period of time.
Moderate risk forecasts are also in place for the Central, North East, Northern Country, South West and Wimmera districts.
The forecast will be further updated around 12.30pm on Friday. Health and emergency services are monitoring the situation closely and are ready to respond.
You can protect yourself and those in your care by following these simple steps:
- Monitor the VicEmergency web site or app for updates and warnings;
- Avoid being outdoors in a storm, especially the winds that precede them; go inside and close your windows and doors.
- Take your preventative asthma medication as directed, even when you’re symptom free;
- Carry your reliever and know how to manage an asthma attack. Follow your asthma action plan or use asthma first aid.
Call Nurse on Call on 1300 60 60 24 or see your local doctor if you require medical advice.
Call triple zero (000) immediately if someone is not breathing, if their asthma suddenly becomes worse or is not improving, or if the person is having an asthma attack and a reliever puffer is not available.
For up-to-date information visit the VicEmergency website or download the VicEmergency App.
Epidemic thunderstorm asthma risk forecasts are available on the VicEmergency app and websiteExternal Link.
Pollen observations and forecasts are available at Melbourne PollenExternal Link and via the Melbourne Pollen App.
