NSW Ambulance is urging people to prepare now with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe heatwave conditions for Lismore and the Northern Rivers from today.

The BOM has forecast a top of 35 degrees, with the chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon.

Temperatures cool down to 29 degrees for Thursday as a southerly cools conditions somewhat before another rise to 32 degrees on Friday, with more thunderstorm possible.

NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director of Emergency Management said people need to plan ahead and prepare now.

“With the severe heatwave predicted, it's important that everyone stays hydrated, avoids the heat during peak hours, and checks in on vulnerable people”, Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan said.

NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for this severe heatwave. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.

• Stay hydrated - make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.
• Keep cool - seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics. 
• Avoid the heat - schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.
• Check in on vulnerable people - hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions. 
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle - leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.

Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water. 

People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000). 

For further information, updates and advice, go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings, go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website or through the Lismore App: Weather and Weather Radar.