It might be a good day to break out the paddling pool.
Record-breaking heatwave conditions are sweeping the country today, with Sydney expected to hit highs of 41C.
The scorching conditions have only been reached once before in November, and that was back in 1982, when the mercury levels were pushed to 41.8 degrees.
The rest of Australia isn’t escaping either; Canberra and Darwin are looking at temperatures of 35 and 36C, while Brisbane and Perth will hover around the low 30s.
It’s certainly a day for keeping cool, and staying safe.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty, and avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks.
- Encourage children to stay hydrated too. The NSW Department of Education recommends sending kids to school with a frozen water bottle and a hat, and apply sunscreen before they head off.
- Stay out of the sun after 11am, and avoid strenuous activities like sports or gardening.
- If you do have to go outside, make sure to apply sunscreen and wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a hat.
- If you can, plot your journey to avoid long stretches in direct sunlight.
- Don’t forget about your pets, either. Regularly check to make sure that water bowls are full, and DO NOT leave any animal in a parked car.
- It’s also great to leave a bowl of water outside, even if you don’t have any pets; lots of local animals and wildlife will be struggling in the hot weather today and looking for a way to cool down.
As the scorching conditions are expected to continue across the weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued fire danger warnings in several states.
NSW residents have been told to prepare for extreme fire conditions, and a total fire ban for the state has been put in place.
Stay safe everyone!
