Residents across New South Wales are urged to monitor weather reports and health advice with temperatures expected to reach the mid to high 30s by the end of this week.
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The Bureau of Meteorology warns temperatures are generally expected to increase over the weekend.
The mercury is predicted to reach a top of 37 degrees at Nyngan on Thursday and Friday, remaining in the mid 30s until a low of 31 degrees and possible showers on Tuesday.
With New South Wales about to experience its warmest weather since February, NSW Ambulance and the Bureau of Meteorology are advising people of all ages to take care and avoid the extreme heat.
“It’s important that people are alert to the symptoms associated with heat exhaustion in themselves or others, especially young children and the elderly,” NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Alan Morrison said.
“These include nausea, faintness, dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headache, and vomiting,” he said.
“Heat can kill which is why it’s so important to stay hydrated and look out for the elderly the young and pets.”
Figures show that from 1 December 2017 to 31 March 2018, Paramedics treated 4451 patients for dehydration, were called to 175 drownings or near drownings and responded to 227 people suffering from heat exhaustion.
NSW Ambulance aeromedical teams were called to 1536 jobs including a number where the patient was suffering from severe heat exhaustion and dehydration requiring transport via helicopter to hospital.
Bureau of Meteorology NSW/ACT Manager of Weather Services Jake Phillips said the heat is already building in the west of the state and it will continue to intensify over the next day or two while at the same time spreading east.
“Temperatures in the west are likely to sit around the 40 degree mark for several days,” he said.
“One of the characteristics of heatwaves is not just hotter maximum temperatures but also hotter minimums.”
Mr Phillips said this is the first heatwave of the season, and coming off the back off relatively mild conditions it will potentially have more impact on the community than normal for a low intensity heatwave.
NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Alan Morrison said within an hour, the temperature inside a car parked in the sun on a 35 degree day can reach highs of 47 degrees or more.
“Never leave children or animals in a car unattended even if you think it’s only going to be for a minute. This can lead to fatal consequences even with a window open,” Mr Morrison said.
