The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Heatwave Warning for Lismore and the western parts of the Northern Rivers on Monday and Tuesday.

Although today's temperatures are into the mid-30's, Lismore 34, Casino 37, and Kyogle 37 degrees, the Severe Heatwave Warning is for Monday when temperatures rise to 38 degrees for Lismore, and 41 degrees for Casino and Kyogle.

(Orange highlights the Severe Heatwave Warning for Monday, with the Low Warning in yellow. Image from BoM website)

The warnings are in place for Tuesday, although maximum temperatures will drop to 29 degrees for Lismore and 32 degrees for Casino and Kyogle.

The coastal parts of the Northern Rivers have a Low Heatwave Warning from Monday to Wednesday. Ballina will reach 35 degrees on Sunday.

NSW Ambulance Acting Chief Superintendent Bryce Picot, Associate Director Emergency Management, said people need to plan ahead and monitor conditions.  

“With heatwave conditions expected to intensify early next week, it’s vital everyone makes cooling down and hydration a priority, as the real danger isn’t just one hot day, it’s the relentless heat over consecutive days,” Acting Chief Superintendent Bryce Picot said. 

NSW Ambulance has issued Advice warnings 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). 

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is warning that some common medicines can increase the risk of sunburn and heat-related illness.

National President, Professor Trent Twomey, urged Australians to take extra precautions, review and store medicine according to recommendations, and speak to their community pharmacist if they have concerns.

“Community pharmacists are always available to provide advice on the safe storage of medicines, checking if medicines increase heat or sun sensitivity and helping to manage dehydration, heat stress or sunburn”, Professor Twomey said.

“Many people simply don’t know that some non-prescription medicines like painkillers and antihistamines can affect your reaction to the sun. Other medications, for example, some antidepressants or ADHD medicine, may reduce heat tolerance, increase dehydration, or slow down your body’s cooling process.

“It’s important for people to continue using these medicines – but take additional precautions in the heat and sun.

"Community pharmacists are here to help during this extreme heat. A quick conversation about your medicines could prevent a serious reaction. We encourage everyone to stay hydrated, stay sun‑safe, and seek advice early if you’re unsure.”

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

For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website, or you can view it through the Lismore App Weather & Travel.