Heatwave warnings in place for Newcastle this Friday and Saturday

newy.com.au – NSW Ambulance is urging people across metropolitan Sydney, the Hunter, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands, South Coast and Snowy Mountains to prepare for severe to extreme heatwave conditions forecast from Wednesday 3 December to Saturday 6 December, with temperatures expected to climb into the low 40s in some areas.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned that the heatwave could be dangerous for many people, particularly older people, babies and young children, pregnant and breastfeeding women and those with existing medical conditions, while NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning and is calling on residents to plan ahead and stay informed.

In an alert issued on Wednesday afternoon, the BOM placed the South Coast under an extreme heatwave warning, with a severe heatwave warning current for the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains. Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach the high twenties to mid thirties at first, before rising to the mid thirties to low forties later in the week, with overnight minimums climbing into the mid teens to low twenties. The heatwave is expected to develop and extend north along the coast over the coming days, peak during Friday and Saturday, and ease on Sunday as a cooler change moves across the state.

Locations likely to be affected include the Sydney metropolitan area, Newcastle, Batemans Bay, Gosford, Camden, Mona Vale, Nowra, Richmond and Wollongong. NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, associate director emergency management, said people should use the lead-up to the hottest days to get ready.

“Stay hydrated, avoid the heat where possible, and check in on vulnerable people especially as it gets warmer over the next few days,” Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.

People are being advised to drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle, even before feeling thirsty. To keep cool, authorities recommend seeking air-conditioned buildings where possible, drawing blinds and curtains to keep the sun out, using fans, taking cool showers and wearing light, loose clothing made from natural fabrics.

Residents are also being asked to avoid the hottest parts of the day, reschedule strenuous tasks for the cooler morning or evening periods and avoid exercising in the heat. NSW Ambulance stresses that some people are more at risk in these conditions, including those aged 65 years and older, babies and young children and people with certain medical conditions.

Authorities have again warned that children and pets must never be left in parked vehicles, even for a short time. NSW Ambulance said leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal because “the temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes”.

Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, fatigue and muscle cramps. People with these symptoms are advised to move out of the sun, seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take small sips of water.

Those who do not respond to these steps, or who develop more serious symptoms such as a sudden rise in body temperature, no longer sweating, aggressive or strange behaviour or fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).

The BOM said “extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone” and that severe heatwaves can be particularly dangerous for vulnerable groups. People are encouraged to seek a cool place such as their home, a library, community centre or shopping centre, close windows and draw blinds or awnings early in the day and, if available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.

NSW Ambulance is directing the community to its website for further safety information before, during and after heatwaves, while the BOM has advised that the next heatwave warning will be issued by 2.58pm on Thursday 4 December.