IT won’t be as hot in Orange as some other parts of the state, however the Bureau of Meteorology has still forecast heatwave conditions for the next five days.
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A broad trough will direct heat from the Red Centre, pushing temperatures higher than 30 degrees, starting at 31 degrees on Thursday.
Temperatures will continue to climb to 35 degrees on Friday and a scorching 36 on Saturday, before a slight reprieve to 33 degrees on Sunday.
Weatherzone meteorologist Kim Westcott said Monday and Tuesday would bring moderate to high chances of rain, but only up to 10 millimetres.
Temperatures on those days will remain high, with tops of 34 and 35 degrees respectively.
“We may see some storms develop that will bring some cooling, but not enough,” Ms Westcott said.
Orange’s altitude will spare it the plus-40 degree temperatures forecast for other areas of the state, however severe heatwave conditions will apply because predictions are still up to 8 degrees above the long-term average.
The conditions could present a challenge for vulnerable people including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions and recovery from the daytime heat will become more difficult as humidity rises.
The highest-ever temperature recorded in January was 38.1 degrees in 2013.
We may see some storms develop that will bring some cooling, but not enough.
- Kim Westcott
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has urged residents to get ready for severe fire conditions.
“The forecast heatwave will elevate the risk of fire and Total Fire Bans are likely to be declared for some areas, so I urge landholders, homeowners, businesses and holidaymakers to consider how they will be [affected] and begin making their preparations,” Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
He said while firefighters were ready to respond to emergencies, the community needed to play its part to prevent bush and grass fires.
Those living in bush fire-prone areas to review their bush fire survival plans, be aware of fire conditions and stay up-to-date on fires in the area through the NSW RFS website or the Fires Near Me app.
Anyone who sees an unattended fire should call triple zero immediately.
Visit www.myfireplan.com.au for simple tips.
Weatherzone is owned by Fairfax Media, publisher of the Central Western Daily.
Danielle Cetinski
Danielle started at the Kiama Independent in 2010 before moving to the Central Western Daily in 2014. She covers council, court, politics, general news and business, and elections are her favourite time of the year. Got a tip? Email danielle.cetinski@centralwesterndaily.com.au
Danielle started at the Kiama Independent in 2010 before moving to the Central Western Daily in 2014. She covers council, court, politics, general news and business, and elections are her favourite time of the year. Got a tip? Email danielle.cetinski@centralwesterndaily.com.au
