A blast of true summer heat is about to hit the Blue Mountains over the coming days.
Hot and humid conditions are expected to persist for much of this week, with a maximum temperature of 42 degrees expected in Springwood on Friday, January 18.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) predicts Springwood temperatures of 38 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday before Friday’s peak. Temperatures will drop to 33 on Saturday before falling even further to 24 degrees on Sunday.
Katoomba will also feel the heat with predicted temperatures of 36 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday before a high of 38 degrees on Friday.
BOM meteorologist Anita Pyne said the intensity of this week’s hot weather would be exacerbated by high humidity levels, bringing “hot and muggy” conditions.
“Moisture in the air … definitely makes it feel worse than if it was dry [heat],” Ms Pyne said.
“The ‘feels like’ temperature will be pretty gross. Moisture does have the added benefit of not being as bad for fire danger, but it’s still going to be very hot.”
Ms Pyne said the heatwave was the result of northwesterly winds dragging warmth from central Australia down over NSW.
At this stage, a cooler change is expected to develop through this region and bring rain on Saturday.
The change will bring a drop in temperatures.
Stay safe this week
NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy urged residents to monitor weather reports and follow health and safety advice this week.
“As the weather heats up, I cannot stress strongly enough to motorists that it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly,” he said.
“It can be just as dangerous to leave the elderly and disabled members of the community in cars during days of extreme heat.
If people see pets, children or vulnerable people located in a car, phone Triple Zero immediately.
Deputy Commissioner Loy said one of the other main concerns was the school holidays are only halfway through and there were thousands of tourists, campers, and other holidaymakers in unfamiliar environments.
“We are urging everyone to take extra care, especially when swimming; whether at the beach, pools or in rivers,” he said.
Health tips
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.
Remember to:
- Stay well-hydrated.
- Avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks.
- Limit your physical activity.
- Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton.
- Regularly check your forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology on radio, television, internet or app.
- Get advice from your doctor about whether your medication and/or your medical conditions may affect what you should do if it gets extremely hot.
- Make sure you know who you are going to call (who may need help, and who could provide help to you if needed).
Details: Beat the Heat website.
