Temperatures are soaring across the region, and you can expect them to stick around, as experts caution locals to stay safe and beat the heat. 

Summer is coming thick and fast, as towns across the Western Plains are seeing temperatures arrive over 40 degrees, which is expected to last for the rest of the week and into the weekend. 

Wednesday 6 December saw Bourke's official temperature reach 41.8 degrees at 5.30pm, with a 44 degree peak forecast for today. In the hills, Coonabarabran airport recorded 35degrees yesterday with an expected 38 degree top today, while Condobolin registered a maximum of 40.2 degrees on Wednesday and is actually expecting temperatures to remain steady today due to possible showers.

The Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD) has warned of higher risks for people with medical conditions, older people, pregnant women, babies and young people, and outdoor workers. 

“This summer is predicted to be very hot. For a lot of our District this appears to be one of the first real tastes of that extreme weather, so I encourage everyone to take the risk of heat-related illness very seriously,” Ms Stanley said. 

“Heat can impact anyone and it puts a lot of stress of the body. It can cause dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion,” she said

“These conditions can cause serious illness, hospital admission or even death and extreme heat can also make underlying health conditions worse.”  

Hitting the water

 For most locals, the obvious choice to stay cool is to head to the local pool. In Walgett, however, repairs are still underway, with the pool still yet to open.

The heat wave marks the beginning of a season that locals already feared, with concern that locals will seek out the cool at the local river, which poses many risks.

Although it won’t be ready in time for this week’s heatwave, good news has arrived for the pool’s timeframe, with work having begun at the beginning of the week. 

“The remediation work is on track and currently scheduled for completion on the 18th December 2023, barring any unforeseen delays or unfavourable weather conditions,” Walgett Shire Council General Manager Megan Dixon said. 

“We are optimistic about reopening before Christmas,” she said. 

Protecting your animals

While you’re looking out for signs for your own heatstroke, keep an eye on symptoms that might mean your pets are struggling with the weather.  

While humans can sweat out the heat, pets like dogs and cats can only release sweat where they aren’t covered in fur, making things a lot more difficult for them. 

If your pets are outside, make sure they have access to plenty of water in a shaded area. 

For livestock, provide a good source of water that isn’t too hot.

Local Land Services recommends that livestock producers avoid all unnecessary handling or transportation.

Signs of heat stress for animals include anting, increased water intake, lethargy and increased salivation.