Keep refreshing the page for the latest updates on weather conditions, fire ratings and tips to keep cool and safe while Southern Inland NSW swelters through a heat wave on February 10 and 11.
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How hot is it near you? Send a photo of your thermometer to emily.barton@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
NSW Health has advised people to stay hydrated, limit physical activity, avoid alcohol and sugary drinks and try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.
YASS: A fire has broken out on the Barton Highway near Jeir. The grass fire is burning out of control, according to the NSW Fires Near Me app.
The Murrumbateman Rural Fire Brigade responded to a call to the fire at about 1.50pm on Friday but could not find a fire at the location.
“At this stage nil fire has been found,” a post on the brigade’s Facebook page said.
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS: Chevalier College, Burradoo, has cancelled all sporting events for Friday, Saturday and Sunday because of the hot forecast.
QUEANBEYAN: Essential Energy has postponed all planned power outages scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday so it can respond to emergency repair work of the network.
Crews will focus instead on minimising the impact of power outages as a result of the extreme heat.
Planned outages will be rescheduled to a later date and customers will be notified in advance.
Please report any power outages to Essential Energy on 13 20 80.
WELBY, SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS: Faith Dent attempted to fry an egg in the sun at Welby on Friday.
Show us your attempt by emailing emily.barton@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
SOUTHERN HIGHLANDS: Planned power outages in Kangaloon on Friday, February 10, have residents asking “how hot is too hot?”
Endeavour Energy began scheduled maintenance works at 8.30am that required power to be cut to residents of Kangaloon Road, Kia Ora Lane and Trig Station Lane.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued a forecast of 39 degrees for Bowral on February 20. One resident said she needed power to get water from her tanks. Read more here.
Temperature update:
It’s starting to get warmer in Goulburn, Crookwell, Yass, Queanbeyan and Braidwood. At 1.10pm, it was between 36 and 38 degrees in Southern Inland NSW.
If you’re going outside this afternoon, make sure you are wearing sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
A reader has reported it had reached 41 degrees in Thirlmere, about 45 minutes north of Bowral, just after 1pm.
BOWRAL: It’s hot in Bowral, but not hot enough to fry an egg! The Southern Highland News team attempted to fry an egg in the sun at 1pm when it was 36 degrees.
What the action here:
QUEANBEYAN: Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has advised that the outdoor swimming pool at the Queanbeyan Aquatic Centre will be closed for a swim meet from 4pm Friday and Saturday.
The outdoor pool will be available during the day on Saturday but will close from 4pm.
A council spokesman said the indoor pool would still be available for the public but there would be limited space due to swimming lessons.
For more information phone the aquatic centre on 6285 6346
Council has also reminded people to drink plenty of water, keep cool, take care of others and have a plan for the heat.
Temperatures at 12pm on Friday, February 10:
- Bowral – 34.
- Queanbeyan – 36.
- Crookwell – 32.
- Yass – 37.
- Braidwood – 38.
- Goulburn – 35.
Blackouts a possibility in the heat:
Southern Inland NSW residents have been encouraged to take the strain off the states electricity supply on Friday and Saturday as temperatures are tipped to reach 41 degrees.
The Australian Energy Market Operator warned of the potential high demand across the NSW network because of the heat, which could lead to minor blackouts. Read more here.
Heat wave action plan in place:
The Heatwave Action Plan has been activated following the prediction of heatwave conditions across NSW for the next three days, with temperatures predicted to exceed 40 degrees.
The Bureau of Meteorology advised temperatures are expected to exceed 40 across western Sydney and inland NSW, coastal areas will reach at least high 30’s, with overnight temperatures remaining high through to the end of the weekend. Read more here.
GOULBURN: A Total Fire Ban has been declared for the Yass Valley, Goulburn/Mulwaree and Upper Lachlan Shire area’s for Friday, 10th February, 2017 due to forecast hot, dry and windy conditions.
Superintendent Peter Alley said that the Total Fire Ban will remain in place from midnight Thursday for a 24-hour period at this stage. Temperatures around 40 degrees and winds forecast at 25 to 40km/h will make fire containment very difficult tomorrow. Read more.
YASS: Recent record temperatures across parts of NSW and potentially more on the way have increased the risk of grass fires in many areas.
The NSW Rural Fire Service is warning the recent summer heatwaves have continued to dry out the landscape, particularly in grassland areas. Read more.
BRAIDWOOD: Debate over whether or not the Braidwood Races should go ahead on Saturday, February 11, is ongoing. A decision is yet to be made and, at this stage, the races will go ahead. See what people are saying here.
QUEANBEYAN: January may be over but the hot weather remains.
Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 40 degrees in Queanbeyan and the surrounding region in the next couple of days and residents have been reminded to stay safe and look out for one another.
Director of Public Health NSW Tracey Oakman said heat-related illnesses can effect anyone but those aged over 75, infants and children, and people with a chronic medical condition are most vulnerable. Read more.
Keep your pets safe:
Don’t let your pets suffer as the weather heats up.
Pet owners are urged to take the right precautionary steps to protect their furry and feathered friends from the heat. Read more here.
Cancer Council sun safe tips:
For people who will be outside over the weekend, as well as drinking plenty of water, Cancer Council has plenty of sun smart tips:
- Slip on some sun protective clothing - that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop on at least SPF 30+ broad-spectrum water-resistant 20 minutes before you head out and make sure to take a bottle or tube with you so you can re-apply every two hours.
- Slap on a hat – a wide brimmed hat will protect your face, head, neck and ears. Baseball caps do not provide enough coverage.
- Seek shade
- Slide on some sunglasses - make sure they meet Australian Standards, are close-fitting and cover as much of the eye area as possible.
Fans sell out in the Southern Highlands.
If you’re looking for a fan this weekend, they’re going to be tough to find.
With temperatures predicted to reach 41 degrees, some stores in the Highlands have sold out of fans.
Big W has officially sold out, while Bing Lee in Bowral is trying to source more stock but has already sold out a few times this summer. Read more here.
Total fire ban declared for Friday, February 10, 2017.
Hot, dry and windy conditions forecast for Friday in Southern Inland has resulted in the NSW Rural Fire Service declaring a total fire ban in parts of the region.
And with the heat expected to stick around, RFS district officer Darren Marks said it will also likely extend to Saturday.
Temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees.
“Latest forecasts indicate high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds, with a very high fire danger rating in place across the Queanbeyan-Palerang area,” Mr Marks said.
“Under very high conditions fires will be uncontrollable and fast moving, and could threaten properties with little warning.”
Mr Marks said residents should only stay in their homes when a fire breaks out if they are able to actively defend the blaze.
“That’s why it’s so important people are prepared,” Mr Marks said.
“By having a bush fire survival plan so they know what to do if a fire affects their community. If you haven’t already discussed your plan with your family, do so now.”
Mr Marks said working with machinery was a common cause of fires, and he encouraged people to go to rfs.nsw.gov.au for complete instructions on the fire ban.