Temperatures are expected to top 37 degrees across Katherine next week.

National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre heat expert Dr Matt Brearley has urged parents to check if their children are suffering from the effects of hot weather.

Dr Brearley’s research into physiological responses to heat exposure led him to the identification of a ‘heat hangover’, where the effects of heat are felt well after exposure and may persist for several days. He says children across Australia are at high risk of suffering from these symptoms.

“Getting too hot can make kids feel irritable, nauseous and lethargic – for days. When kids have a 'heat hangover', it also makes it really difficult for them to concentrate.”

Dr Brearley recommends planning for hot days by scheduling sport for evenings, but recognises heat can be unavoidable for kids, particularly as they return to school.

“Kids are often most active during school lunch breaks, in the middle of the day in intense heat. Hydration is important, but it might not be enough to prevent the heat hangover. Research shows there are some novel ways to mitigate heat stress for kids.

“If heat exposure is unavoidable, kids may benefit from consuming an icy drink or slushie, especially in tropical regions.

“Send a ice water slushie to school in a thermos, drinking that before going back to class will assist in lowering core body temperature.

“It’s also a great idea to get kids into a pool or cool bath as soon as they get home, it drops their core temperature which builds up throughout the day.

“My final tip is to teach kids to take a break when they play. Several short breaks in shade or air-conditioning, over the lunch hour, can make a big difference and minimises the effects of heat.”

This year avoid the back to school heat hangover:

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