The Far South Coast of NSW is the coolest place to be this week as the mercury soars to record temperatures across the southern half of the country.
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The heatwave is thanks to a high pressure system over the Tasman Sea, directing a hot to very hot northeast to northwesterly airstream over inland and southern NSW, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
In the Merimbula/Eden areas temperatures are forecast to stay in the 30 to 38 degree range this week, dropping to 23 on Sunday.
Which makes the beach a cool place to be!
The BoM forecasts some relief from the hot temperatures by the weekend when a trough will extend across the state bringing cooler southerly winds.
Marty Webster, Community Safety Officer for Bega Rural Fire Service expects fire ratings in the Bega Valley to remain on ‘high’ or ‘very high’ for the remainder of the week.
“We’re looking at very hot conditions. There’s not a lot of wind, except for some moist air on the coast. That will keep the fire danger rating at ‘high’ or perhaps ‘very high’,” Mr Webster said on Wednesday morning.
“Away from the coast it’s going to be a little more challenging.
I’m looking from Towamba back, including Burragate, Rocky Hall and Wyndham. The Towamba Valley is showing up as the hottest and driest area, Narrabarba country as well.
“There is some potential for some storms this afternoon and we’re monitoring that very carefully.
“We’re asking residents to be vigilant and prepare solid bushfire survival plans,” he said.
NSW Health has issued some advice for people to stay safe in the heat.
“Stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks, limit your physical activity and try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day,” a spokesperson for Greater Southern Area Health Service said.
“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,” he said.
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.
For more information refer to Beat the Heat, http://www.health .nsw.gov.au/environment/beattheheat/pages/default.aspx
