Australia Day 2021 weather: Heatwave forecast for NSW long weekend
Authorities are warning NSW residents to prepare themselves as a severe to extreme heatwave bears down on the state, bringing four days of searing temperatures.
NSW
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A severe heatwave is about to hit Sydney just days after the coastline was battered by huge swells.
A four-day heatwave will start on Friday and see temperatures soar in southwestern Sydney and the state’s south, with extreme heat forecast in these parts until Monday.
On Sunday, the mercury is tipped to rise to 42C in Sydney’s west as a trough from inland Australia brings bone-dry heat until at least Monday.
Intense heat will also be felt in the state’s southern half from Broken Hill down to Albury and all the way through Dubbo and Sydney from Friday.
Penrith will be the hottest area in Sydney with temperatures of 36C, 39C, 39C and 40C forecast over the next four days.
Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Helen Kirkup said it will be cooler in Sydney and on the coastline.
“From central Sydney to the eastern suburbs the temperatures will not be as severe. At its hottest, it is expected to be around 34C,” she said.
“Western Sydney will have the worst of the heat, which is made worse by the fact the night time temperatures will be around 21C or 22C so there will not be much relief.”
She added the heatwave comes after large swells smashed Sydney’s coastline.
“Fortunately the water temperature is still expected to be comfortable. It will be around one to two degrees warmer,” she said.
Firefighters are also on high alert, with the Rural Fire Service warning the severe weather conditions are “likely to increase fire dangers especially in western parts of the state.”
Residents in high-risk areas are being urged to plan and prepare for a bushfire so they know what to do if they are threatened by fire.
The spike in heat has health officials concerned about vulnerable members of the community.
NSW Health’s Environmental health acting director Dr Adi Vyas said the elderly and those with underlying health issues will be most at risk in the conditions.
“Hot weather puts a lot of strain on the body, including dehydration, and can make underlying health conditions worse,” Dr Vyas said.
“It also causes heat stress and heat stroke. People over 75 years, people with chronic medical conditions and people who live alone are particularly vulnerable.”
BOM duty forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse said the heat will build across NSW over the course of the weekend, bringing the hottest temperatures since early December.
Australia Day will remain in the steamy high 30s until a cool change moves through.
“As we get to Australia Day, we might have a cool trough nearby so either it will stay warm or if the trough comes through it will be cooler,” she said.
“With the heatwave, it’s best for people to check on their friends and family as well as the elderly and vulnerable because the heat takes its toll,” Ms Woodhouse said.
Dr Vyas urged people to take extra care to prevent heat-related illness, prepare their homes and stay indoors during the worst of the heatwave.
People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention and, in an emergency situation, call Triple Zero (000).
PREPARE FOR THE HEAT
Plan for the upcoming heatwave by checking your fridges, freezers, fans and airconditioners work properly.
Set your airconditioning to cool — a setting of 24C can keep you cool while helping to reduce electricity demand.
Put jugs of water in the fridge and cool packs in the freezer.
Ensure your blinds are closed before the sun hits your windows.
Plan your activities safely on hot days.
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