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A severe heatwave will send temperatures soaring into the weekend, with tops above 40 degrees to bake the NSW coast, threatening sporting fixtures and prompting an early reopening for Penrith’s Pondi beach.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecast severe heatwave conditions to develop in the state’s south from Thursday, spreading north up the coast into the weekend.
An animated GIF showing a forecast heatwave along the coast of NSW.Credit: Bureau of Meteorology
Cooler temperatures through the first half of the week will give way to above-average maximums in the mid-30s to low 40s, until a sharp cool change expected late on Saturday.
Before then, the Sydney CBD is expected to swelter through tops of 35 degrees on Friday and 36 degrees on Saturday.
Further west, Penrith can expect 40 degrees on Friday and a top of 41 degrees on Saturday.
NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Steve Vaughan warned people to plan ahead and monitor conditions.
“Stay hydrated, avoid the heat where possible, and check in on vulnerable people, especially as it gets warmer over the next few days,” he said.
A severe heatwave is expected to send temperatures soaring.Credit: Kate Geraghty
Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps.
Extreme fire danger is also predicted on Saturday for Sydney, the Hunter, Illawarra and Central West regions, among others.
In response to the heat and the higher temperatures expected out west, Penrith Beach will open Saturday, a day ahead of schedule.
The swim spot nicknamed “Pondi” has had its hours extended with new onsite amenities including more shade and outdoor showers in preparation for its third summer operating.
Penrith Beach will open a day earlier than initially planned as a heatwave looms.Credit: Wolter Peeters
“Western Sydney families have asked and we’ve listened – Penrith Beach will now open a day early [and] give local families a place to cool off in the summer heat,” acting Western Sydney Minister Courtney Houssos said.
The Bedlam Bay swim spot on the Parramatta River at Gladesville opened to its first swimmers in late November, while Barangaroo’s Marrinawi Cove has also reopened after safety upgrades.
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The forecast heat could also threaten weekend cricket fixtures.
“The health and safety of the NSW cricket community is paramount this weekend with high temperatures forecast across the state,” a Cricket NSW spokesperson said.
“We are monitoring conditions and will communicate directly with clubs and associations ahead of the weekend regarding guidelines and additional preventative measures.”
Heat guidelines for cricket could result in matches beginning earlier or later in the day, with increased rest periods and drinks breaks, depending on the conditions.
NSW is scheduled to play Queensland in the Sheffield Shield at the SCG beginning on Friday.
The Australian Turf Club has moved races at Rosehill Gardens planned for Saturday to Sunday due to the forecast heat.
Races at Rosehill have been postponed a day due to the heat.Credit: Steven Siewert
“Whilst we apologise for any inconvenience this change has on members and our customers, horse welfare and safety is our first consideration,” the turf club’s interim chief executive Steve McMahon said.
“With such extreme hot weather forecast right across Saturday there was no option … we wanted to give everyone involved extra time to revise their plans for the weekend.”
Ten races will be held on Sunday with slightly revised times and free public entry for general admission customers.
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