Tamworth heatwave: Low-intensity heatwave, Tamworth escapes severe statewide weather

The mercury is expected to reach near 40 degrees for the next week and with warm overnight temperatures there will be little relief.

It’s important to keep an eye on the elderly and the very young in extreme conditions NSW Ambulance duty manager Sean O’Connor said.

“The trick is to stay out of the heat, stay cool, hydrated and check on family and friends,” he said.

“The elderly have a tendency to stay inside and close things up while the house gets hotter and hotter.”

Lightheadedness, sweating, shortness of breath, lethargy and increasing thirst are symptoms to check on in hot conditions and paramedics are expecting an increase in falls by the elderly and a spike in call outs.

The same goes for Tamworth’s NSW Fire and Rescue crews, who are urging residents to avoid outdoor fires in the heat.

There is the potential for a Total Fire Ban to be implemented across the region in the coming days.

After storms ripped through Tamworth last week, crews have been busy clearing the damage, inspector Wayne Zikan said.

“After the good rain some of us had in the early part of December the heatwave will dry all that out and put us back to fuel in the bush that’s prone to burning,” he said.

“From our perspective people should avoid lighting fires outdoors without permits, check with their local fire service before lighting fires and avoid them unless absolutely necessary.

“People need to have their Bushfire Survival Plans in place and campers be aware of the weather, terrain and stay alert.” 

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Hot temperatures are expected to continue until Thursday according to Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Anita Pyne.

Heatwave conditions will be more severe in the west and south of the state.

“There are some elevated fire dangers with dry and hot weather around Tamworth,” Ms Pyne said.

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