Department of Health

Thunderstorm asthma forecast high for Central, West and South Gippsland districts

12/12/23

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Dr Clare Looker advises a high risk of thunderstorm asthma forecast for the Central and West and South Gippsland districts today.

The combination of forecast 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 Mallee, Wimmera, South West, North Central, Northern Country, North East and East Gippsland districts.

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 thunderstorm asthma risk forecast on the VicEmergency app;
  • Avoid being outdoors in a storm, especially the winds that precede them;
  • Take your preventative 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, contact Victorian Virtual Emergency DepartmentExternal Link 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.

Reviewed 13 December 2023

Health.vic

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Media team Department of Health

press@health.vic.gov.au
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