SOME wags will tell you there are often more magpies than humans watching the cricket being played at Tamworth’s No. 1 Oval.
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But when it came to Saturday, it was more than just the drinks break for the fellows on the field.
When the boys ran for the tap, so did their feathered friends.
Photographer Barry Smith caught this little bloke sticking his beak right in – to the water tap and a cool drink.
Tamworth reached 40 degrees Celsius on Saturday and there’s little relief in sight for the region.
Temperatures are predicted to drop to the high 20s by the middle of the week, but rain remains elusive and any cool change won’t last long.
While Tamworth made 40C, it was 37C in Moree and close to 39C in Narrabri.
A spokeswoman from the Bureau of Meteorology said the trough moving through southern NSW early this week wouldn’t have much impact on our region, with temperatures in the mid-30s forecast for today and tomorrow.
However, as the system goes through it should bring an easterly airstream with it, which means cooler air, and by Wednesday we should see temperatures of about 29C in Tamworth briefly.
Moree and Narrabri can expect temperatures in the mid-30s all week.
Inverell should experience low 30s to the high 20s, while Glen Innes and Armidale are not expected to reach above 29C for the week.
Temperatures will start to warm up again towards the weekend, with mid- to high 30s expected on Saturday and Sunday.
The spokeswoman said there could be some rainfall in the north, but it was more likely to be coastal.
According to Weatherzone, there is a high chance of rain for the Northern Tablelands on Sunday and Wednesday next week.
Residents are reminded to look out for elderly relatives and neighbours during the heatwave and to ensure their pets have access to clean drinking water.
It’s also a good idea to leave out some water for wild animals, including birds, during this heat.