IT IS "going to be hot". This is the warning from the Bureau of Meteorology as a heatwave sweeps across the state bringing with it temperatures surpassing 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the Hunter.
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"Heatwave conditions are pushing into the Upper Hunter," bureau spokesperson Kate Doyle said.
"The warmer temperatures will be recorded the further you go from the coast, where there is no reprieve from an afternoon sea breeze."
The current forecast is for a high fire danger rating from Wednesday in the Hunter Region, with the mercury to hit peak temperatures on Saturday. Newcastle is expected to reach 38 degrees Celsius, with Toronto to hit 39.
In Muswellbrook and Maitland it is meant to reach 42 degrees Celsius on the weekend. It is not just daytime temperatures to be wary of, with the bureau forecasting a low of 24 degrees overnight on Friday.
"There is a broad ridge of high pressure extending across much of the state and a trough pulling heat from the centre of the country across NSW," she said.
"There will be a southerly change on Saturday evening, but the degree and timing of this is subject to variability."
Ahead of the heatwave the NSW Rural Fire Service has reminded people to "stay informed, know your risk and plan ahead, stay hydrated and check in with friends and family".
NSW Health has reminded residents that "heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone's health, but some people are more vulnerable including people over 65 years old, babies and young children, people with certain medical conditions, people who work outside, pregnant women, people who live alone or are socially isolated and people who are homeless".
They suggest the following steps to stay safe during the heatwave:
- Avoid being outdoors in the hottest part of the day.
- Keep your home cooler by using air-conditioning or electric fans and closing doors, windows, blinds, and curtains.
- Limit your physical activity to early in the morning when it's coolest.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. If your doctor has restricted your fluid intake, ask them about how much you should drink when it is hot.
- When outdoors, apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses and a wide brim hat to protect your eyes, face, and scalp
- Seek out cool places or air-conditioned public facilities in your local area, if you can safely travel without getting too hot
- It is also important to recognise the signs of heat-related illness.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include pale skin, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, fainting, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, muscle cramps, decreased urine output. If you experience these symptoms and they do not improve, seek medical care. If symptoms are worsening and you are concerned about heat stroke, immediately call triple zero.
"Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness," a spokesperson for NSW Health said.
"In extreme heat, your body's ability to cool itself down can fail, causing your body temperature to increase to a dangerous level. If left untreated, this can result in permanent disability or death.
NSW Police has also issued a reminder about water safety, which follows the near-drowning of a toddler at Cockle Creek on the weekend.
"We know many people will want to head to the beach, a local swimming hole or swim in your backyard pool. Please be careful," the NSW Police statement said.
"Keep a watchful eye over children especially when they are near the water - all children need to be supervised.
"The best advice is if you don't need to be out - stay at home. Above all, look after yourself and those around you."
Jessica Brown
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
Jessica began her journalism career in 2009 as a cadet at The Port Stephens Examiner before moving to London for a two-year stint working in magazines and digital publishing. The Lake Macquarie local returned to Australia where she took up a reporting role at The Maitland Mercury. She worked across several rounds including local council, police and property before moving into digital journalism and joining the team at The Newcastle Herald in 2017.
