By 11am on Thursday morning temperatures in Maitland were creeping past 37C – in the shade.
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Shoppers in the main street gravitated beneath awnings and sought refuge in air-conditioned shops. By mid-afternoon Maitland’s weather station reported a peak of 41C on the first day of a predicted four day heatwave.
Friday is expected to reach 41C and Saturday 36C. It won’t be until Sunday, which has a predicted top of 33C, that rainclouds have a chance at developing.
In Cessnock the story was no different and locals headed to the town’s pool in droves to escape the heat.
EARLIER – THURSDAY 9AM
A Heatwave Action Plan has been activated following the prediction of heatwave conditions in NSW this week.
The Bureau of Meteorology advises that temperatures are expected to exceed 35 in many parts of the state, with overnight temperatures above 20 degrees through to the end of the weekend.
Maitland is set for a scorching couple of days, with a predicted high of 41 degrees on Thursday; 42 on Friday, and 38 degrees on New Year’s Eve.
NSW Health says people should take simple precautions to ensure they stay healthy in the heat by;
- Staying well hydrated;
- Avoiding alcohol and hot or sugary drinks;
- Limiting your physical activity; and,
- Trying to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
Everyone needs to take care in hot weather but some people are at higher risk of heat illness, especially if they are older, live alone or are socially-isolated.
Signs of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating.
People showing any of these signs should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or local emergency department.
NSW Health also recommends the following actions during extreme heat conditions:
- Check on the welfare of older people or neighbours living alone
- Keep the sun out by shading windows with curtains, blinds or closing shutters.
- Keep windows closed during the day until it cools down and in early morning. If you don’t have an air-conditioner, try to spend time in an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton.
- When outdoors, stay protected from the sun by wearing a hat and sunscreen.
For more information please refer to the Beat the Heat website.
As the weather heats up motorists are also reminded that it is an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle.
Livestock and pet owners are also being urged to ensure adequate clean water is always available and that shading is provided where possible.
Additionally, no animals should be left in confined, unventilated areas.
Intensive large animal holdings, including poultry and piggeries should ensure cooling and watering systems are functioning and backup plans are in place in case of system failures.
