Heatwave to hit the Top End this week, BOM forecasts

OPPRESSIVELY hot and humid conditions are on the way for the Top End, with the first major heatwave this year set to affect major population areas in the NT including Darwin and Palmerston.

OPPRESSIVELY hot and humid conditions are on the way, with the first major heatwave this year set to affect major population areas in the NT.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angeline Prasad said Top End residents could expect a hot weekend and an even hotter week ahead.

Towns affected include Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Adelaide River, Batchelor, Humpty Doo and Pine Creek.

It comes after gusty storms in Darwin this week which produced wind gusts of up to 76km/h.

“Previous heatwaves this year have been in less populated eastern parts of the Top End,” Ms Prasad said.

“The heatwave is due to a prolonged dry period, with only slight chances of rain possible in western coastal areas of the Daly district including Darwin today, contracting to the Wadeye area (today).

“Temperatures will be a few degrees above average and dew points will be in the ‘very sweaty’ to ‘oppressive’ range.”

Fannie Bay local Hannah Morris cooling down in hot weather. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

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Temperatures in Alice Springs and surrounds will sit in the mid to high 30s from today and throughout the week.

Chief Health Officer Hugh Heggie advised all residents and visitors to the Top End to take appropriate precautions to avoid heat stress (also known as heat stroke) and dehydration.

“Temperatures are expected to soar beyond the usually hot standards of the build-up period,’’ he said.

“Even the most acclimatised NT residents can still be affected by heat stress, with an increased body temperature having potentially serious or even fatal affects.

“Be prepared. Stay cool and stay safe. Ensure you and your family have access to cool water and make sure you take care of your pets and animals as they can also be impacted by heat stress.”

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Children, people aged over 65, people living alone, people who are socially isolated and people who are taking medications that affect the body’s ability to cope with heat are among those who are most affected by heat stress and should take extra care.