Smothering, bullying, stabbing: how it feels to be in one of the hottest places on Earth
Everything felt like it was swelling, and despite my diligent consumption of water and Hydralyte, I couldn’t quite escape the persistent, low-level nausea. Even thinking took longer
TL;DR
- The author experienced a record-breaking heatwave in Ouyen, rural Victoria, Australia.
- The experience triggered memories of past hot summers in Warracknabeal, Victoria.
- Extreme heat has noticeable physical effects, including difficulty thinking and nausea.
- Residents in rural areas may become accustomed to and normalize extreme heat, potentially underestimating its severity.
- The current heatwave brings back memories of the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.
- Despite the heat, locals and wildlife sought relief at Ouyen Lake in the evening.