On Thursday, Quirindi will claim the unenviable title of hottest town the region with a max of 39 degrees, while Tamworth, Gunnedah, Narrabri and Moree all run in a close second at 38 degrees.

The Northern Tablelands will be comparatively mild with Armidale, Glen Innes, Guyra and Tenterfield all hitting a max in the low-30s.

Yesterday, people sought relief from the heat by taking a dip in the closest watering hole, weather it be the local river or pool.

Tamworth Regional Council’s acting sports manager Murray Russell said lifeguards at the region’s six pools were well prepared for the first heat wave of summer.

“We are ready to welcome anyone who is looking to beat the heat – there’s nothing better than cooling off in the water when the temperature climbs over 35 degrees,’’ he said.