A severe and dangerous heatwave is descending upon New South Wales, with the Hunter region and much of the state's east coast set to swelter through extreme temperatures this weekend. Authorities have issued urgent warnings for residents to take immediate precautions.
Ambulance Service Urges Vigilance as Mercury Soars
Saturday is forecast to bring scorching conditions, with temperatures expected to climb into the mid-30s to low-40s degrees Celsius. The intense heat has triggered severe heatwave alerts, prompting NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Steve Vaughan to appeal to the public.
He emphasised that while hot weather can affect anyone, those most at risk include people over 65, babies, young children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The community is urged to avoid unnecessary exposure, drink plenty of water, and actively check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbours.
Symptoms of heat-related illness requiring medical attention include confusion, slurred speech, rapid breathing, or muscle twitches. Other signs like dizziness, nausea, headache, cramps, and pale skin should also be taken seriously.
Emergency services have also reiterated the critical warning never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, where internal temperatures can become lethal within minutes.
Protecting Pets and Heightened Fire Danger
The RSPCA has issued specific advice for pet owners during the heatwave. They recommend ensuring all companion animals have access to cool, shaded retreats and multiple sources of fresh, cool water. "Pocket pets are particularly susceptible to high temperatures," the organisation stated, advising that small animal enclosures be placed in full shade with good ventilation, or that pets be brought indoors.
Signs of heatstroke in animals mirror those in humans, including constant panting, a rapid heart rate, and signs of dizziness or confusion. Owners noticing these symptoms should administer first aid and contact a veterinarian immediately.
Compounding the danger, the NSW Rural Fire Service has declared an extreme fire danger rating for the Hunter on Saturday, with high danger ratings persisting through to Monday. This alert comes as firefighters continue to battle a significant bushfire in the Merriwa River Valley, which has already burned approximately 4,860 hectares.
Weather Pattern Drives Prolonged Heat
Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Stephen Stefanac explained the weather system behind the scorching conditions. Two large high-pressure systems—one over the Tasman Sea and another off Western Australia—are driving hot, dry air from the continent's interior across eastern states.
A cold front moving between these systems is expected to gradually ease the heat from late Saturday into Sunday. There is a chance of a late, strong southerly change which could bring dry thunderstorms and isolated showers, but Mr Stefanac cautioned that significant rainfall to alleviate the fire threat is unlikely.
"The weather can vary from day to day," he said. "At the moment, we're seeing a lot of hot and dry outbreaks that appear to be in line with seasonal outlooks, which are saying a warmer and drier than normal season ahead." The Bureau's long-range forecast predicts lower than average rainfall and hotter than average temperatures for much of NSW throughout the summer.
Residents in areas near the Merriwa River valley fire, including Sandy Hollow and Gungal, are urged to monitor official updates, have a bushfire survival plan ready, and know when to leave.
For health concerns related to the heat, residents should contact their doctor or HealthDirect on 1800 022 222. In any life-threatening emergency, always call Triple Zero (000).
