If there was any doubt summer's heat is here, it will be conclusively cleared out this week as vast swathes of the country are hit with a heatwave.
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The heatwave will hit on Wednesday as temperatures hit 34, but will soar beyond that with 36 degrees on Thursday and 37 on Friday and a projected top of 39 degrees on Saturday.
Wind gusts are set to hover around 20 kilometres an hour, raising concerns around fire conditions and health.
But it's not just humans that'll be feeling the heat, either, with furry friends set to struggle.
RSPCA Orange shelter manager Rita Perkons said people needed to think about their animals during periods of hot weather.
"Just like for humans make sure they have plenty of water," she said.
"They also tend to like a paddle pool so they can play in water."
Paddle pools will need to be filled with re-used water, with level five water restrictions banning the use of kids' pools.
For those who aren't lucky enough to have a paddle pool, Ms Perkons said shade was essential, with animals also needing protection from the trays of utes and something cool to stand or sit on.
She said the heat might also require people and families to break 'outside-dog' policies, no matter how strict.
"Even if it gets too hot the opportunity to go inside under the air conditioner may be needed," she said.
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