Sweltering Cities releases 2026 Summer Survey Report

Sweltering Cities is Australia’s only national advocacy organisation focused specifically on extreme heat. Working at the intersection of climate, health and equity, the organisation partners with communities across the country to amplify lived experience and push for practical solutions — from cooler suburbs and safer homes to stronger policy responses that protect those most at risk.

In March, Sweltering Cities released its 2026 Summer Survey — the largest national snapshot of how Australians are experiencing heat in their homes and communities. With more than 2,600 responses nationwide, including over 1,000 from NSW, the survey provides timely insight into the growing impacts of extreme heat following another hot and humid summer.

The findings highlight the significant health and financial pressures heatwaves are placing on households across NSW:
• 70% of respondents reported feeling unwell during heatwaves
• 65% said cost-of-living pressures are making heatwaves harder to manage — rising to 71% in more socioeconomically disadvantaged areas
• One in four people reported worrying daily about energy costs over summer

Together, these results reinforce the compounding challenges of heat, health and affordability — particularly for more at risk communities — and the need for coordinated action across housing, energy and urban planning.

You can read the full report here: 2026 Summer Survey Report