Heatwaves and High Temperatures Expected over NSW
It’s time to seek shelter from the sun as this weekend is expected to be hotter than usual.
New South Wales is forecast to experience heatwaves and high temperatures over the weekend starting Thursday, 7 December 2023, the Bureau of Meteorology reported.
The Heatwave Warning for the state, which remains valid until Sunday, 10 December 2023, was issued on Thursday afternoon.
According to the Bureau, an Extreme Heatwave Warning will be in force for regions such as Central West Slopes & Plains District over the weekend.
Meanwhile, the following regions have a Severe Heatwave Warning: Mid North Coast, Hunter, Northern Tablelands, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, North West Slopes & Plains, South West Slopes, Riverina, Lower Western and Upper Western Districts.
The Sydney forecast on Friday, 8 December, indicates a maximum temperature of 30 °C as extreme heatwave conditions are expected over central parts of the state. On Saturday, 9 December, a high temperature of 39 °C is expected, possibly increasing to 41 °C due to Northerly winds. 
Meanwhile, the Three-day Heatwave Forecast starting Saturday states “low intensity to severe heatwave conditions over parts of central inland NSW, northern Queensland, northeast NT and northern Victoria.”
The Bureau advises the community to find a place away from the heat, such as staying inside their homes, a community library, a gallery, a community centre, or a shopping centre. Everyone is reminded to stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly and avoid outside activities during peak sun hours.
NSW Ambulance reminds people to never leave people or pets in parked cars, use air-conditioning or electric fans to keep temperatures down, close doors, windows, blinds, and curtains to keep the heat at bay and apply sunscreen when going outside.
Different Hawkesbury facilities, such as the Hawkesbury Library Service, are extending their hours on Saturday, 9 December, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Richmond Swimming Centre and the Oasis Aquatic and Leisure Centre will remain open until 8:00 PM. 
The Waves Fitness and Aquatic Centre in Baulkham Hills, the Hills Shire’s multi-purpose recreational hub, is open until 8:00 PM on Fridays and until 7:00 PM during weekends.
Local fire brigades such as the Maroota RRB remind the community of the increased bushfire risk due to high temperatures and remove fuel from their properties to limit fires.
The Fire Danger Rating on Thursday is Moderate and is expected to be raised to Extreme on Saturday, according to the NSW Rural Fire Brigade.
On Thursday, 30 November 2023, the Australasian Fire Authorities Council released the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for summer 2023, indicating a higher fire risk due to warmer-than-average temperatures and the ongoing drought.
