Top End friends take to the Waterfront to escape the NT’s heatwave

Three friends hit the waterfront to avoid this week’s heatwave. Find out how to stay cool as we reveal the areas to be impacted by the soaring temperatures.

Tekoah Smith enjoying respite from high temperatures as the mercury climbs Picture: Glenn Campbell

Three Top End friends took a trip to the beach to beat the heat on Tuesday.

Anica Tadic, Aniesha Bowie, and Marley Morgan swam at the Darwin Waterfront for three hours to avoid the severe heatwave sweeping across the Territory this week.

The scorching sand burned their feet when they emerged from the cooler water.

“We had to get the hose out a couple times to cool off,” Ms Morgan said.

Wrapped in towels after their dip, the girls said it was a “very hot” day.

Ms Tadic said she’d been drinking plenty of water to stay cool and “staying in the aircon” when she could.

Anica Tadic, Aniesha Bowie, and Marley Morgan spent three hours swimming in the Darwin Waterfront beach to beat the heat. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Darwin mum Jo McDonnell took her family to the Darwin Waterfront to enjoy the aqua park.

“The kids have been begging for ages since we knew that it was upgraded,” she said.

“We come here maybe every six months or so because it’s such a good place to go.

“You can get a feed and go for a free swim after that.”

Ms McDonnell said her family had been enjoying the sunny day for an hour and a half.

“Ready to get some ice cream and probably head home,” she said.

Damian McDonnell went paddle-boarding at the Darwin Waterfront to beat the heat. Picture: Sierra Haigh

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe heatwave warning on Monday afternoon that would remain in place until Thursday.

The warning was issued for the Daly, Arnhem, Carpentaria, Gregory, Barkly, Lasseter and Tanami districts.

Meteorologist Moses Raico said the Top End could experience temperatures in the high-30s to 40s range.

Darwin and Palmerston are both forecast to reach 35C on Tuesday with an extreme UV index rating of 13.

Darwin’s temperatures will dip to 34C on Wednesday while Palmerston’s will rise to 36C.

Katherine is expected to experience 40C weather on Tuesday with an extreme UV index rating of 13.

The mercury in Katherine will rise to 41C on Wednesday.

With Alice Springs forecast to reach 41C Tuesday, Mr Raico said temperatures in the central districts up to the base of the Top End could continue rising into the mid-40s later in the week.

Alice Springs’ temperature was expected to rise to 42C on Wednesday with an extreme UV index rating of 14.

A large group of Territorians are at risk of heat stress during severe heatwaves, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.

As minimum and maximum temperatures rise, Territorians would “not really getting any reprieve overnight” from the consecutive run of hot days, Mr Raico said.

“If you’re unfortunate enough to be outside, keep hydrated and stay in the shade as much as you can,” Mr Raico said.

The Bureau recommended those staying indoors to close windows and draw the blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day.

[e-mail]