People are advised to avoid exercising in the heat – or maybe try something indoors – as a heatwave peaks later this week. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Extreme heatwave conditions have prompted ACT and NSW emergency services to advise people to limit their outdoor activities and seek refuge if they are unable to keep their home cool.
NSW Ambulance has issued a warning to those living in or visiting the Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains or South Coast areas.
“NSW Ambulance advises people in [these] weather forecast district[s] to limit time outside for a forecast of extreme heatwave conditions,” it stated.
Those in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven have been advised to monitor conditions, which could still change as the end of the week approaches.
Advice at this time includes checking for any service outages in the areas, scheduling activities for the coolest part of the day, avoiding exercising in the heat, and continuing to keep cool by seeking air-conditioned buildings, closing curtains and blinds, using a fan, taking showers, and dressing in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.
“Never leave children, adults or pets alone in a vehicle. It can be deadly. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise very quickly,” NSW Ambulance advised.
“Check in on others. Look after those most at risk in the heat – your neighbour living alone, older people, children and babies, people with a medical condition and don’t forget your pets.”
ACT Emergency Services Agency urged Canberrans and visitors to prepare now to survive the heat.
“Be aware of the risk of heat-related illness and plan ahead to keep yourself and others safe,” it advised.
“Heat can make anyone sick. People over 65 years old, the very young, those with a pre-existing medical condition and those that work outside are most at risk.
“Heat-related illness can range from mild conditions, such as a rash or cramps to heatstroke – which is life-threatening.”
The heatwave is expected to peak on Friday (9 January). Photo: BoM.
The Bureau of Meteorology defines a heatwave as three consecutive days when the maximum and minimum temperatures are well above the average for a given time of year.
Meteorologist Dean Narramore said this was the exact scenario being forecast.
“As we move into Wednesday [7 January], we’ll see temperatures really jump up … and that’s going to continue on Thursday and Friday,” he said.
“We’re likely to see extreme heatwave conditions.”
But the heat isn’t expected to be accompanied by strong winds at this stage, meaning there are currently no total fire bans forecast for the ACT or NSW, and the fire danger ratings vary from moderate to high.
Anyone heading to the beach is urged to swim at monitored beaches between the flags, and to take extra care if swimming at inland rivers or dams.
No regional councils are planning on making entry to their pools free (at this stage) but some already offer free entry to children. For example, under 12s can enter Queanbeyan-Palerang pools for free, and Wollongong City Council residents can access free entry vouchers for children aged up to 10 years.
Cooma and Bombala pools are closed, meaning entry to the Berridale and Adaminaby pools are free for everyone.
Libraries and shopping centres can offer air-conditioned relief from the heat. In Canberra, clubs can also be designated as refuges from heatwaves if an emergency is declared (but the public can still access them regardless).
The ACT’s Corin Forest has changed its schedule for Thursday to Saturday (8 to 10 January) to give people something to do when it’s cooler in the evenings.
Managing director Dane Liepins said Corin Forest would switch to a twilight schedule, from 4 to 8 pm, to take advantage of the mountain’s 1200 metre elevation.
“When it gets this hot in Canberra it makes going out very unpleasant,” he said.
“Evenings at Corin are truly spectacular and we are thrilled to be able to offer something different to families so the holidays can still be enjoyed.”
