Heat wave hits the Illawarra

THE Bureau of Meteorology is predicting heatwave temperatures for the Illawarra over the coming days.

The Illawarra is expected to experience above average maximum temperatures, predicted to reach the low to mid-30s.

• Heat wave warning Issued for Illawarra and South Coast by the Bureau of Meteorology

• Valid for Saturday September 16, 2023 to Tuesday September 19, 2023

“Maximum temperatures over the coming days reaching the low to mid-30s with overnight minimum temperatures in the mid to high teens. These temperatures are above average by around 10 to 15 degrees and persist for an unusually prolonged period for this time of year. The passage of a cold front during Wednesday should return conditions to near average with heatwave like conditions easing.“

NSW Health’s Executive Director of Health Protection, Dr Jeremy McAnulty, said people should minimise heat exposure.

Dr McAnulty said areas are expected to experience heatwave conditions commencing on Sunday (today), which occurs when there are abnormally warm days and nights for three or more days.

“Hot weather conditions will see temperatures up to 10 degrees Celsius above usual for this time of year in parts of the state, and NSW Health encourages people to take care of themselves and those who may be more vulnerable this weekend,” Dr McAnulty said.

“Simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat-related illness. It’s important you do not allow yourself to become too hot or dehydrated by minimising physical activity outdoors during the day and staying well hydrated by drinking water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty before drinking water.

“It’s best to try and avoid the heat of the day by staying indoors and keeping curtains and blinds shut early. If you don’t have air conditioning, using a fan, wetting your skin with a sponge, spray or water-soaked towel can help to keep you cool.

“If it’s hard to keep yourself cool at home, you should also consider spending the day at cooler places, like the shopping centre or an air-conditioned community venue.  

“People over 65, people with chronic medical conditions and babies and young children are particularly sensitive to the heat. Stay in regular contact with elderly neighbours, friends and relatives who may need help.”

Heat exposure can cause severe illness, hospital admission and even death. Heat can worsen the risk of underlying health conditions and cause a severe medical episode such as a heart attack or difficulty breathing.

Signs of heat-related illness include dizziness, tiredness, irritability, excessive thirst, fainting, headache, changes in skin colour, rapid pulse, shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting and confusion.

People showing signs of severe heat-related illness should cool down immediately by taking a cold shower or bath if possible, or by fully wetting the skin with water while lying in the shade, and seek urgent medical attention. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).

Dr McAnulty advised that with Sydney and other parts of NSW experiencing poor air quality due to hazard reduction burns, people are encouraged to check the air quality levels where they live and the health activity guide.

More information on how you can protect yourself from heat can be found online at Heat is a health risk – beat the heat

For updated weather forecasts and warnings visit: www.bom.gov.au

Rural Fire Service:

Stay up to date on fires in your area. People are urged to download the ‘Fires Near Me’ app: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

• Under these conditions, some fires may start and spread so quickly there is little time for a warning, so do not wait and see.

• There are simply not enough fire trucks for every house. If you call for help, you may not get it.

• Do not expect a fire truck. Do not expect a knock on the door. Do not expect a phone call.

• Start taking action now to reduce your risk.

• Avoid bushfire-prone areas. If your home is in a bush fire prone area, the safest option is to not be there.

• Do not travel through bushland areas.

• Leaving is the safest option for your survival. If you plan to leave, leave early.

• If you are threatened by fire, you need to take action to protect yourself. Do not be caught in the open.

Keep up-to-date with major fire updates: www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/major-fire-updates

For more information about the fires, contact the Bush Fire Information Line – 1800 679 737

Anyone with information about criminal activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.

Free subscription to The Bulli & Clifton Times

OR DONATE BY CREDIT CARD

Don’t have PayPal? Instead, you can support The Bulli & Clifton Times by leaving a secure $2 debit or credit card donation. Your generous patronage of my work and research, however small it appears to you, will greatly help with my continuing publication costs.