ID :
158997
Sat, 02/05/2011 - 12:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/158997
The shortlink copeid
Sydney heatwave sizzles for sixth day
Australia-Sydney Feb 5. (AAP)-Sydneysiders are bracing for yet another day of baking temperatures as the record-breaking heatwave continues to sizzle across the state.
Temperatures are due to hit 41C in parts of western Sydney on Saturday while along the coast, beachgoers can expect highs of up to 36C.
It will be the sixth day temperatures have topped 30C in Sydney, while the heatwave has set records for the number of consecutive hot nights.
A total fire ban remains in place across much of the state and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) has warned the public to be vigilant.
Fire bans have been declared for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Monaro Alpine and Central Ranges areas, with high temperatures and strong winds causing a potentially lethal combination.
"There is an increased risk of fires and it is important that the community understand the risk and are suitably prepared," RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
The RFS has already attended more than 100 bush and grass fires this week.
The current spell of hot weather began on Monday, breaking weather records in major centres and disrupting sleep patterns due to unusually warm overnight conditions.
Temperatures at Richmond reached minimum records for the first time in 72 years after failing to drop below 24.9C, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said.
NSW Health Director of Environmental Health, Dr Wayne Smith, said there has been an increase in emergency department attendance for heat-related illness in Sydney in the last few days.
"People should take simple precautions to ensure they stay healthy in the heat by staying well-hydrated, avoiding alcohol and hot and sugary drinks, limiting your physical activity and trying to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day," he said in a statement.
Relief is on the way however, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a late cool change on Sunday.
"By Monday, the daytime temperatures will be close to the overnight temperatures Sydneysiders have been suffering this past week," bureau NSW regional director Barry Hanstrum said.
Temperatures are due to hit 41C in parts of western Sydney on Saturday while along the coast, beachgoers can expect highs of up to 36C.
It will be the sixth day temperatures have topped 30C in Sydney, while the heatwave has set records for the number of consecutive hot nights.
A total fire ban remains in place across much of the state and the Rural Fire Service (RFS) has warned the public to be vigilant.
Fire bans have been declared for the Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Monaro Alpine and Central Ranges areas, with high temperatures and strong winds causing a potentially lethal combination.
"There is an increased risk of fires and it is important that the community understand the risk and are suitably prepared," RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said.
The RFS has already attended more than 100 bush and grass fires this week.
The current spell of hot weather began on Monday, breaking weather records in major centres and disrupting sleep patterns due to unusually warm overnight conditions.
Temperatures at Richmond reached minimum records for the first time in 72 years after failing to drop below 24.9C, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said.
NSW Health Director of Environmental Health, Dr Wayne Smith, said there has been an increase in emergency department attendance for heat-related illness in Sydney in the last few days.
"People should take simple precautions to ensure they stay healthy in the heat by staying well-hydrated, avoiding alcohol and hot and sugary drinks, limiting your physical activity and trying to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day," he said in a statement.
Relief is on the way however, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a late cool change on Sunday.
"By Monday, the daytime temperatures will be close to the overnight temperatures Sydneysiders have been suffering this past week," bureau NSW regional director Barry Hanstrum said.
