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Perth’s Heatwave Causes Severe Health Warnings

Western Australia is being gripped by a heatwave not felt by West Australians in previous summers, causing health warnings to be issued.

People who are spending long periods of time outdoors are being warned to avoid fizzy drinks because they can cause dehydration during heatwaves.

Scorching temperatures mean residents of Bunbury and other parts of the state are sweating more, and Surf Life Saving Australia says fizzy drinks contain a high amount of caffeine and simple sugars which can contribute to dehydration.

“Water and rehydrating sport drinks are more appropriate (during hot weather),” a spokesman said.

“Certain soft drinks act as a diuretic and draw more water out of the kidneys than they replace, so rather than rehydrating, it’s actually drawing it out of the system.”

WA is smashing heat-related records and this summer is likely to equal the hottest recorded.