Homeless people are being chased away from airconditioned centres and harassed by ''cranky passers-by'' as they attempt to seek refuge from the extreme heat.

The city's rough sleepers say it is too hot to sleep at night. During the day, they are often moved on from cool public places, including shopping centres, fast-food outlets and public toilets, according to support workers.

One man who has been sleeping at Fitzroy Gardens said the heat brought out what he described as ''weekend warriors''.

Youth Projects' Melanie Raymond said clients tell her ''people turn narky when it's really hot and they lash out''.