Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-40s starting this Wednesday. Photo: Bureau of Meteorology.
The Riverina is expected to face extreme heat this week, with consecutive days projected to breach the 40-degree Celsius mark across the Riverina from Wednesday.
The heatwave making its way across from Western Australia is expected to last until Sunday, marking the first time more than three consecutive days will exceed 40C in Wagga Wagga since 2020.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) officially issued a heatwave warning for South East NSW on Sunday afternoon, saying temperatures were expected to hit the mid-40s.
“A prolonged period of heat is forecast to build over southern and central NSW this week,” the statement reads.
”Maximum temperatures in the high thirties inland and high twenties along the coast, and overnight minimum temperatures in the mid-teens early this week.
“The severe to extreme heatwave will expand and peak mid to late this week, with maximum temperatures reaching the high thirties to mid forties and overnight minimum temperatures in the low to mid twenties.
“The heatwave is expected to ease with milder temperatures possible from later next weekend or early the following week. Locations likely to be impacted include Wagga Wagga, Gundagai, Bombala and Jindabyne.”
BoM has also advised caution for residents of South East NSW for the next week.
“Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,” a BoM spokesperson said.
“Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, a community centre or a shopping centre.
“Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.
“If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.”
Under the current Wagga Wagga City Council policy, any day that the BoM expects to exceed 41C means all residents can enjoy free entry to the Oasis Aquatic Centre.
The decision will be made by WWCC the day before temperatures are expected to hit 41C.
Father-of-two Jack Bowen said he, like many families he knew, would likely head to the centre or the beach to beat the heat.
“When temperatures get that high, getting in the water is the only real way to combat it,” he said.
“It’s probably going to be packed. I remember back in 2019, the pool was always popular when it hit the 40-degree mark.”
For more information on staying safe during a heatwave, check out the NSW Health website.
