Heatwave to continue through the weekend in New South Wales

19/12/2013

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting temperatures more than 10 degrees above average in some parts of New South Wales over the coming days, as heatwave conditions continue to affect the state.

Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales Regional Director, Stephen Lellyett, said this is the first heatwave for the summer season.

"Temperatures are expected to peak in the 40s over inland areas of New South Wales including Wagga Wagga and Griffith on Friday and Saturday," Mr Lellyett said.

"A cooler change will gradually push in from the south on Saturday and Sunday, easing conditions over central NSW, driving the heat toward the northeast of the state, where the heat will intensify and remain through to early next week.

"On Christmas Day temperatures will be around average for this time of year over most of NSW.

"While the bulk of the heat will be west of the Great Dividing Range, Sydney can expect a very hot day tomorrow (Friday). Sea breezes may keep temperatures down slightly along the coastal fringe of Sydney, but the temperature in Penrith is forecast to reach 41C."

NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said residents need to be prepared for a heightened level of fire danger over the coming days and have an up-to-date Bush Fire Survival Plan.

"In the hot and dry conditions we are likely to see across the weekend fires can move quickly and be difficult to control," Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

NSW Health said simple precautions ensured people stayed healthy in the heat and advised people to drink plenty of water and take care of others at risk. Signs of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating and people showing any of these signs should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or local emergency department.

NSW Department of Primary Industries has highlighted to risk to animals during hot conditions. No animals should be left in confined, unventilated areas such as locked cars, and intensive industries, including poultry and piggeries should ensure cooling and watering systems are functioning.

To monitor the conditions on MetEye, go to:
www.bom.gov.au/australia/meteye