Temperatures set to top 40C as heatwave hits east coast
Australia’s east coast is set to get an early taste of summer with record-breaking heat forecast for parts of NSW later this week – prompting a warning from fire and health authorities.
Temperatures in Sydney are set to reach the mid-to-high 30s on Thursday and Friday, and more than 40C in the far west.
Areas west of Wagga Wagga are predicted to cop it the worst in what the Bureau of Meteorology is tipping will be the first heatwave of the season.
“For some places it’s looking fairly likely we will receive record temperatures for this time of year,” the Bureau’s Jake Phillips told reporters in Sydney on Wednesday.
Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain warm for a large part of the state, he said.
“It’s going to feel pretty summery; it doesn’t feel like spring anymore,” Mr Phillips said.
A high bushfire danger is likely in parts of the state, with the Rural Fire Service on alert.
Rural Fire Service Inspector Ben Sheppard said forested areas up and down the NSW coast will be closely monitored.
“As this is the first heatwave of the season we’re encouraging people to check their property is prepared,” he told AAP.
NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Alan Morrison urged people to take extra care and avoid the heat, especially children and the elderly.
“Heat can kill which is why it’s so important to stay hydrated and look out for the elderly, the young and pets,” he said in a statement.
Paramedics treated nearly 4500 people for dehydration between December 2017 and March 2018, and hundreds more for heat exhaustion.
Parts of Queensland are also set to swelter throughout the next week or so with Brisbane set for 30-degree days from Saturday through to Tuesday.
Areas in the state’s Central West could hit as high as 40C with Barcaldine, Longreach and Blackall all forecast to hit past the 40C mark over the weekend.
Birdsville is forecast to hit 43C on Friday, Saturday and Sunday while Dalby in the Darling Downs will see 37 degrees on Monday and Tuesday.
North Queensland through to the Central Queensland region should have similar temperatures to the southeast of high 20s to low 30s.
Adelaide is also set for a 36C day on Thursday but temperatures will drop below 30 over the weekend.
– with AAP
