Outdoor workers are being warned to take frequent shade breaks and increase their water consumption, as the South Coast braces for a four-day heat wave – starting with an expected top of 38 in Nowra today.
Health experts are encouraging people to keep an eye on neighbours, especially the elderly or very young, with fears of a rise in heat stroke and related conditions over the coming days.
There will be no escaping the scorching conditions until at least Monday, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a high of 36 tomorrow, 35 on Saturday and 31 for Sunday.
There is likely to be some respite on Monday and Tuesday, with predicted tops of 28, before the Shoalhaven heads back into the 30s next Wednesday.
NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan said paramedics are expecting a surge in calls to the 000 (triple-zero) emergency number.
The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting extreme heat wave conditions, particularly the South Coast weather district, running through until Saturday,” Superintendent Vaughan said.
“The Illawarra area has some particular areas of concern (including) the Bulli, Nowra and Port Kembla areas.
“We need to make sure the public are aware of the conditions that they’re facing, and provide information to them on ways in which they can alter their behaviour, to try and ensure their health remains intact and they don’t need to call us.”
Police are also reminding driver to never leave children alone in cars, even for a few minutes, warning it could be a fatal mistake.
And local vets are warning pet owners to ensure they leave multiple sources of water for their animals, so they have a back-up is one gets knocked over.
The Bureau of Meteorology will release it’s Christmas Day forecast tomorrow, although several independent foreign-based weather services are tipping a mild day with a top around 24 for the Shoalhaven.
Image: The hot weather offers a chance backyard fun but parents are being warned not to let children stay too long in the sun (Getty)
