Since 1900, extreme heat events and heatwaves have been the leading cause of natural hazard-related deaths in Australia. Extreme heat events can impact upon an entire population, however, those most vulnerable are at a greater risk of experiencing severe health impacts and mortality. The 2021 Lancet Countdown report showed that Australians remain some of the most vulnerable to heat in the world, with a major influencer of this being the more than 86% of us who live in urban areas. Severe weather events, including extreme heat and heatwaves, are expected to increase in frequency and intensity over the coming years. These events will be felt more severely in urban centres.