While the mercury has already been climbing, the next several days are expected to test even the toughest inland residents - along with their pets and livestock, gardens, airconditioning and other machinery.

NSW Ambulance is urging people to monitor conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe heatwave conditions from the Northern Rivers to the Riverina from Friday 23 January 2026. 

NSW Ambulance Acting Chief Superintendent Bryce Picot, Associate Director Emergency Management said people need to plan ahead and monitor conditions with temperatures forecast in the mid to high 40s across much of the Western Plains of NSW.  

“With heatwave conditions expected to intensify this weekend and early next week it’s vital everyone makes cooling down and hydration a priority, as the real danger isn’t just one hot day, it’s the relentless heat over consecutive days,” Mr Picot said.

 Locations likely to be impacted span the state from Bourke, Cobar, Condobolin, Hay, Ivanhoe, Dubbo, Deniliquin, Moree, Orange, Tamworth, Armidale, Broken Hill, and Wagga Wagga. 

NSW Ambulance has issued Advice warnings for this severe heatwave and are asking residents and travellers to stay up to date in case the situation changes. 

Handy health tips

• 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.  

• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle - leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes. 

Keep an eye on signals of heat stress

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, LinkedIn and X. 

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