'Seek some respite': Health officials urge NSW residents to prepare for weekend heatwave
Updated . First published at
Sydneysiders are among those in New South Wales being told to take appropriate steps to prepare for a heatwave that will last into the weekend.
Temperatures are set to hit 33 degrees in Sydney today, and will soar in the coming days as a hot airmass moves across the state.
The mercury is expected to reach 42 degrees on Saturday in the state capital, with similar temperatures expected in many areas of New South Wales.
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Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan of NSW Ambulance. 9News
Whilst the heat is expected to ease off on Sunday, NSW Ambulance's Steve Vaughan warned having such a long stretch of heat will take its toll.
"The important take-home message is that it isn't individual hot days, but concurrent, higher than average temperatures - both daytime and nighttime - that have a compounding effect on individuals' health," he said.
"[We are] likely to experience those conditions until at least Saturday."
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Hot weather. Runners make their way past boaters enjoying themselves on the harbour at the start of a Sydney heatwave on Wednesday 7th January 2026. Photo: Sitthixay Ditthavong Sitthixay Ditthavong
Vaughan said it was important for residents of New South Wales to look after each other, especially people who may be more vulnerable to heat.
This includes the elderly, people who are homeless or socially isolated, he said.
"If you know someone in that cohort [of] vulnerable people, please reach out to them, make sure they're aware of the conditions and assist them to get through the next few days," he added."
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A file photo of Cronulla Beach in Sydney. Sam Mooy/File
He offered several pieces of advice on how people can ensure they stay cool in the coming days.
"You can wear loose, light-fitting clothing, close windows, blinds, doors to block out the hot air, and use cooling devices wherever possible," Vaughan said.
"If you don't have access to cooling devices at home, go to community facilities within your area, such as shopping centres, that may have cooler areas for you to seek some respite."
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