Thunderstorm asthma alert issued for Bendigo and Northern Victoria
Bendigo and surrounding regions face a high-risk thunderstorm asthma warning on Saturday. This is due to high grass pollen and forecast storms.
The Department of Health issued a high-risk forecast for thunderstorm asthma across Northern Victoria. The forecast covers Bendigo, Shepparton, Echuca, Inglewood and Euroa.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts heavy showers and a possible thunderstorm for Saturday, October 31. Thunderstorm asthma happens when high grass pollen mixes with certain storm conditions.
It can trigger severe breathing problems or attacks in people with asthma or hay fever. VicEmergency advises people prone to it to carry their reliever puffer at all times.
Close windows and doors when storms approach. Switch off evaporative air conditioners that bring outside air inside.
Watch for wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness or a persistent cough as signs of an asthma attack.
- Saturday, October 31
- Warning date
- High risk
- Risk level
- High grass pollen plus storms
- Trigger conditions
Why it mattersPeople with asthma or hay fever in the region need to prepare now. This helps reduce their risk of serious breathing problems during the predicted storms.
AustraliaBendigo, Shepparton and surrounding Victorian towns face a real health risk this weekend; residents with asthma should carry their puffer and stay alert for symptoms.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
