Heat Risk in Redfern, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Heat Risk Score
7.0/10Redfern is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the problem.
Key Facts
- Heat Risk
- Redfern is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the problem.
- Trend
- increasing
- Suburb
- Redfern, NSW
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 2016
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 9.6% of land (bushfire)
Heat Risk Analysis
Redfern in New South Wales faces elevated extreme heat risk. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reports that Australia's average temperature has increased by approximately 1.5 °C since 1910, with the frequency of extreme heat days rising across most regions.
The urban heat island (UHI) effect can make built-up areas of Redfern warmer than surrounding rural areas, particularly on summer nights. Dark roof materials, limited tree canopy cover, and heat-absorbing surfaces contribute to localised heat stress that varies by property.
Urban heat island effect contributes to higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas.
Get an address-level heat risk assessment from ClimateNest for Redfern including cooling cost estimates, heatwave vulnerability scoring, and adaptation recommendations tailored to your property.
Redfern (postcode 2016) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (9.6% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (7.5% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (7.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Redfern — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Local Hazard Evidence
Historical Events
Record high temperatures were recorded in January, leading to heat stress and increased demand for cooling.
A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on the electricity grid.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure
ImmediateInvest in upgrading drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.
Est. cost: High
Implement Urban Greening Initiatives
Near-termIncrease green spaces and tree canopy cover to mitigate the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Develop Heat Action Plan
ImmediateCreate a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.
Est. cost: Low
Community Awareness Programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures, such as preparing for floods and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Promote Water Sensitive Urban Design
Long-termIncorporate water sensitive urban design principles in new developments to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Redfern Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Redfern:
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot does Redfern get in summer?
Redfern in New South Wales experiences summer temperatures consistent with the regional climate. BOM publishes historical temperature data for weather stations near Redfern. Get a property-specific heat exposure assessment with projected cooling costs from ClimateNest.
Is extreme heat increasing in Redfern?
Australia-wide, extreme heat events have become more frequent since the mid-20th century, and this trend is consistent with CSIRO climate projections for New South Wales. Continued warming is likely through 2050 under all emissions scenarios.
How does heat affect energy costs for Redfern properties?
Higher temperatures increase cooling demand, which raises electricity costs. ClimateNest provides energy cost projections based on your property's specific exposure to extreme heat days in Redfern and the performance of your building envelope.
What heat mitigation measures work best in Redfern?
Effective heat mitigation includes light-coloured roofing (cool roofs), ceiling and wall insulation, double-glazed windows, external shading, cross-ventilation design, and increasing tree canopy around the property. These measures reduce indoor temperatures and cooling costs.
What share of Redfern is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 9.6% of Redfern in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 62.2% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Redfern Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Redfern, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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