NSW Ambulance is urging people to prepare now and monitor conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe intensity heatwave conditions in the Northern Rivers, NSW from 28 December, 2024.

NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management said people need to act now and plan ahead with temperatures forecasted to climb into the mid to high thirties in locations such as Grafton and Lismore.

Severe heatwave conditions are expected to peak during the weekend and ease from early next week.

“It is important to stay hydrated during a heatwave and check on family, friends and neighbours who are elderly or vulnerable,” Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.

In a heatwave, it is important to:

• Stay hydrated - make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.
• Keep cool - seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.  
• Avoid the heat - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.
• Check in on vulnerable people - hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, 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. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water. 

People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000). 

For further information, updates and advice go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.