Stay hydrated and slather on the sunscreen this week as a scorching week-long heatwave sets in around Australia and thousands flock to the beach to soak up the sun and cool off in the waves.
The communities of western and central-western NSW are urged to monitor weather reports and health advice, as NSW is expected to experience its first serious heatwave of the summer season.
Temperatures in Sydney on Saturday will top 42°C in the west and 35° in the east, with the sweltering weather set to continue throughout the weekend and into next week.
A couple take a selfie on a rock at Coogee as they soak up the sun during the weekend heat
Thousands flock to Coogee Beach on Friday afternoon to get the summer weekend started
Two girls take a refreshing outdoor shower as a wave crashes over rocks at Coogee beach
Warmer than normal temperatures are cause by hot air sitting over inland New South Wales
‘This hot weather is the start of a heatwave for much of inland NSW and western Queensland,’ Sky News Weather chief meteorologist Tom Saunders told news.com.au.
The heatwave will last until at least the middle of next week for inland regions, and peak around Monday or Tuesday when December records could break.’
As the weather heats up, motorists are also reminded that it’s not only illegal to leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle, it also can be deadly – temperatures inside a locked car can be up to 30° higher than outside.
‘People can be unprepared for the first heat spike of summer, so we are reminding them to take safety measures against the effects of overheating and sun exposure,’ director of Environmental Health Ben Scalley said in a statement.
‘It’s important people keep up their water intake, stay cool and avoid strenuous physical activity in the heat of the day.
‘Heat places a lot of strain on the body and can interfere with blood circulation and cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.’
A wave crashes over a group of children playing on the sand at a Coogee rock pool on Friday
Bondi was packed as the whole of Australia sweltered through a scorching heatwave this week
A woman floats on her back in the refreshing ocean pool next to Bronte Beach on December 16
A refreshing wave crashes over a line of children at a Coogee rock pool on Thursday morning
Mr Scalley recommends avoiding hot or alcoholic drinks, minimising physical activity in the middle of the day, keeping windows closed until the evening, wearing light clothing, liberally applying sunscreen and always wearing a hat.
While everyone is urged take care in hot weather, some people are at higher risk of heat illness, including especially the elderly, people living alone and those who are socially-isolated.
The Beat the Heat website reminds people to spend some time in an air-conditioned building, make sure that you are always properly hydrated, take care of others, keep your food cool and make sure that you have a plan in place in case you feel sick.
Temperatures in Sydney’s west will top 42°C in the west while beachgoers enjoyed the sun
A man stretches after swimming laps in the ocean pool at Bronte Beach on Saturday morning
Bondi Beach in Sydney soon filled up with bathers seeking respite from the scorching heat
People are up early for their morning swim and exercise at the popular ocean pool at Bronte
Pet and livestock owners are also urged to ensure that clean water and shade are always available. Additionally, no animals should be left in confined, unventilated areas.
Members of the public should also regularly visit the Rural Fire Service website at for updated bush fire warnings and information.
After the heat has passed, people are urged to keep drinking water, take some time to rest and recover, open up windows and doors to allow your house to cool down and contact family and friends to ensure their health and safety.
Cold water and shade should always be available to animals, especially during a heat wave
Dozens of people cool off at the ocean pool at Bronte Beach on Saturday as temperatures rise
Beachgoers at Bondi made the most of the sweltering summer weather on Thursday afternoon
The heat brought beachgoers to Bondi where they took advantage of the hot, sunny weather