NT Health authorities have issued a severe heatwave alert, warning Territorians to take precautions to avoid possible heatstroke and dehydration this week and into the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast severe heat wave conditions across the Top End all week and into the weekend.

Chief Health Officer Dr Hugh Heggie advised Territorians and visitors to take appropriate precautions and be vigilant to avoid heat stress or heat stroke and dehydration.

“Temperatures, and therefore risk to health, will be high this week and into the weekend’’ he said.

“Be prepared and remember to stay cool and stay safe. Ensure you and your family have access to cool water.”

Dr Heggie added that pets aren’t immune to heat stress and reminded owners to ensure they have access to shade and adequate water supply.

The groups at high-risk in heat wave conditions include: children, people aged over 65, people living alone, people who are socially isolated and people who are taking medications that affect the body’s ability to cope with heat, according to the Chief Health Officer.

NT Health has listed symptoms of heat stress and measures to avoid them:

Symptoms of heat stress include tiredness and lethargy, headache, dizziness or fainting, confusion leading to poor decision making, and muscle cramps.

People are encouraged to do these measures to avoid heat stress: Drink at least three litres of water a day, even if you are not thirsty, avoid strenuous activities, especially outdoors, if you are sweating, it means your core temperature is elevated. Consider having iced or crushed iced drinks or food; maintain a healthy salt intake and spend as much time as possible indoors in air-conditioning.