Heatwave to keep New England sweltering all week

A massive heatwave is forecast for much of the country, with severe conditions forecast to persist through the Australia Day long weekend and into next week throughout the New England.

Temperatures are expected to sit in the low to mid-40s across many centres in the North West Slopes and Plains, with Tamworth, Moree and Narrabri all expected to not get relief all week. The sustained heat is driving warnings that the risk is not limited to a single hot day, but increases as the heat builds over consecutive days, peaking on Australia Day.

The Northern Tablelands will also be affected, Armidale peaking at 35 on Australia Day, and Inverell staying in the high 30’s all week.

Extra efforts are being made for those attending the Tamworth Country Music Festival, where festivalgoers are being urged to pace themselves, seek shade and rehydrate regularly with water stations available throughout the main CBD zone.

For tourists desperate for a break from the sweltering conditions, the Guyra Lamb and Potato Festival may offer a welcome reprieve this weekend. While Guyra is still expected to be hot by local standards, temperatures are forecast to stay in the low 30s, more than 10 degrees cooler than Tamworth, making it an attractive day-trip option for those looking to escape the worst of the heat.

NSW Ambulance has issued Advice warnings for the severe heatwave and is urging people to take precautions, including prioritising cooling down and hydration. People are advised to drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle, seek air-conditioned buildings where possible, close blinds, use fans, take cool showers and wear light, loose clothing made of natural fabrics.

NSW Ambulance is also urging residents to schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat, and to check on people at greater risk of heat-related illness, including those aged 65 and over, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.

Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. NSW Ambulance advises people with these symptoms to move out of the sun, cool down using shade, air conditioning or a fan, take a cool shower or bath if possible and sip water. Anyone who does not improve, or who shows severe symptoms such as a sudden rise in body temperature, stopping sweating, aggressive or strange behaviour, or fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).

Anyone planning to travel this weekend is being warned to prepare for delays, particularly on the train network. Rising temperatures can trigger additional heat-related speed restrictions and disruptions, and passengers are being advised to plan trips to avoid the hottest parts of the day and check transportnsw.info for updates.

Authorities are also on alert for bushfires as the heat persists, with high fire danger across the region. There are no total fire bans or concerning blazes as yet, but residents are urged to keep up with the latest forecasts and warnings, monitor conditions through official channels and use the Hazards Near Me NSW app for real-time alerts.

While no changes have been announced as yet, locals should also be prepared for late changes to Australia Day celebrations to ensure people’s safety in the heat, dress appropriately and take water wherever they are going to celebrate.