The next four days will see very hot conditions in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, prompting the Bureau of Meteorology to post Severe Heatwave Warnings for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday before cooler conditions arrive on Christmas Eve (Wednesday).

At this stage, the Christmas weather will be a shower or two with a top of 31 degrees.

There is the chance of thunderstorms on Sunday for most of the Northern Rivers, the southern parts on Monday, and further chances on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Of more concern are the heatwave conditions. The run of maximum temperatures is 34 (Saturday), 36, 37 and 33 degrees.

The first Severe Heatwave Warning is on Sunday for the southern parts of the Northern Rivers, which include Casino, Kyogle, Coraki and Wardell.

On Monday, the longest day of the year, the Severe Heatwave Warning covers most of the Northern Rivers, except for the coastal areas.

Monday is also when we will see an Extreme Heatwave Warning for Casino, Coraki and Wardell.

Tuesday will see the Extreme Heatwave Warning shrink to Casino and surrounds, while the rest of the Northern Rivers is under a Severe Heatwave Warning.

On Wednesday, the Severe Heatwave Warning is focused around Wardell, with Alstonville at the northern tip just outside the zone, plus some areas north of Casino and south of Kyogle.

NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management, said people limit their time outdoors.

“Limit your time outdoors and stay hydrated, because the cumulative effect of ongoing heat can quickly lead to serious health issues,” Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan said.

“It’s not just about one hot day – the real danger comes from several days of extreme heat in a row, which means your body doesn’t get the chance to recover.”

NSW Ambulance has issued a Watch & Act warning for this extreme heatwave. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect you and your family.

• 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.
• Be prepared for power outages – make sure your emergency kit is prepared.
• 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.
• Store food and medications at a safe temperature - most medications should be stored below 25 degrees Celsius. 

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). 

Safety Advice:

• Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone.
• Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.
• Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.
• Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.
• If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.

For further safety information before, during and after heatwaves, visit https://www.ambulance.nsw.gov.au/in-the-community/warnings.