Orange is in the midst of its warmest four-day stretch in more than 50 years, and could experience its hottest January day on Wednesday.
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The temperature is predicted to reach 38 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, within reach of the January record of 38.1 degrees set on January 12, 2013.
There’ll be little respite from the summer swelter before the weekend, too, with Thursday and Friday both tipped to reach 37 degrees.
Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said the phenomenon of four consecutive days – Tuesday through to Friday – with temperatures predicted to exceed 35 degrees was extremely rare for Orange.
“That has not happened in at least 50 years,” Mr Dutschke said.
“It’s not just the days but the nights are particularly warm, it is just getting to 20 degrees on a few nights and staying above 20 degrees on a few nights.”
Mr Dutschke said records for Orange go back 51 years, and the January temperature has only reached 38 degrees once in that time.
However, he said the temperature reached 39 degrees in February two years ago at the Orange Agricultural Institute, and 40 degrees that same day at the airport.
He said a front will arrive on Saturday bringing cooler temperatures of 27 degrees on Saturday and 26 degrees on Sunday, but temperatures will increase again to the low- and mid-30s next week.
Western NSW Local Health District health protection manager Priscilla Stanley said some members of the community were more vulnerable to the heat.
“People need to be alert for the symptoms associated with heat exhaustion in themselves or others, especially young children and the elderly, “ she said.
“Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, faintness and dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headache, and vomiting.
“People need to make the most of shade and well ventilated or airconditioned areas, stay inside during the hottest part of the day and drink plenty of water.
“People with existing conditions such as heart problems, diabetes or hypertension should take extra care in the heat.”
Tips on how to beat the heat:
- Stay well-hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and hot or sugary drinks
- Limit your physical activity
- Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibres like cotton
- Regularly check your forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology on radio, TV, internet or App
- Get advice from your doctor about whether your medication and/or your medical conditions may affect what you should do if it gets extremely hot
- Make sure you know who you are going to call (who may need help, and who could provide help to you if needed); make a list of telephone numbers and make sure they are current.
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