People looking to take a dip this Australia Day long weekend to cool off have been urged to keep safe in the water, no matter where you are. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Parts of NSW are facing severe and even extreme heatwave warnings heading into the Australia Day long weekend.
But the southern parts of the state and Canberra are being spared the worst of the heat over the public holiday.
Heat has been building over inland areas thanks to a high-pressure system south of Tasmania. That’s extending a ridge across the state, directing warm northerly winds into the region.
A trough has entered the southwest of NSW and is moving east ahead of a cold front, drawing hot air towards the eastern districts ahead of a cool and gusty southerly change expected tomorrow (26 January).
Southern NSW and the ACT still have a low-intensity heatwave warning from now (25 January) until tomorrow night.
This is because the difference between overnight and daytime temperatures is minimal. For example, Canberra’s forecast to have an overnight low of 20 degrees before a top of 26 degrees for Australia Day, while Moruya will have the same overnight low before a top of 25.
The further north you go, the more things are heating up. Wollongong will have a low of 24 degrees before a top of 32 on Friday (26 January). But that’s nothing compared to areas such as Moree in northern NSW, which is expecting a top of 42 degrees on Australia Day.
Given the warmer conditions, it’s expected locals and travellers alike will be taking advantage of waterways and beaches to keep cool.
Surf Life Saving NSW has issued a plea for everyone to take in the water after 389 rescues were carried out across the state in just one day – Saturday, 20 January – when temperatures in the high 30s saw people flock to the beach for respite.
CEO Steve Pearce said those rescues were a sage safety reminder ahead of the long weekend.
“With a significant number of rescues conducted [on Sunday 21 January] and a 12th coastal drowning at an unpatrolled location this summer, it really rams home that message that when our lifesavers can’t see you, they can’t save you,” he said.
“That’s the message heading into this weekend – we’re encouraging potential beachgoers to take heed of what they’ve seen or heard on the news this summer.
“Understand your limitations, remember that drugs, alcohol and the ocean don’t mix. But most importantly, seek a location where you see the red and yellow flags flying.”
Coastal drownings are one-and-a-half times more likely during school holidays and more than two times more likely on a public holiday.
“We are anticipating an extreme level of operational activity on the Australia Day long weekend, so we are requesting everyone to be water safety conscious and support our lifesavers by listening to their advice,” Mr Pearce said.
We’ve also been urged to look out for each other on the roads with double demerits now in force until 11:59 pm on Monday, 29 January.
Operation Australia Day 2024 Commander, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty, said everyone should feel safe and respected during events over the public holiday.
“We all love a good long weekend; however, what you need to know is your limits when consuming alcohol. Look after your mates, have a plan to get home safely, and know that police and emergency services are on hand if you need help,” he said.
“Our message is clear: make this an Australia Day to remember, not one you’d rather forget. Anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”
Australia Day is typically one of the most popular days to be on the water, with skippers reminders to check their vessel is in good working order and ensure the required safety equipment is on board, including lifejackets.
Here’s your forecast for the Australia Day long weekend:
Australian Capital Territory
Friday, 26 January: Cloudy with the chance of showers and a thunderstorm. Overnight temperatures falling to between 16 and 20 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching 22 to 27 degrees.
Saturday, 27 January: Partly cloudy with light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 13 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching 23 to 28 degrees.
Sunday, 28 January: Mostly sunny with light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 9 and 13 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching 24 to 29 degrees.
Australian Alps – Snowy Mountains
Friday, 26 January: Cloudy with the chance of showers and a thunderstorm, variable winds.
Saturday, 27 January: Mostly sunny with light winds.
Sunday, 28 January: Mostly sunny with light winds.
South Coast
Friday, 26 January: Cloudy with the chance of showers and a thunderstorm. Overnight temperatures falling to between 16 and 21 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching 22 to 27 degrees.
Saturday, 27 January: Partly cloudy with a high chance of showers in the north and a slight chance elsewhere. Overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 16 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid-20s.
Sunday, 28 January: Partly cloudy with a medium chance of showers in the north. Overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 16 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid-20s.
Illawarra:
Friday, 26 January: Partly cloudy with a medium chance of showers and a thunderstorm. Overnight temperatures falling to the low 20s with daytime temperatures reaching 28 to 35 degrees.
Saturday, 27 January: Cloudy with a medium chance of showers. Overnight temperatures falling to between 14 and 18 degrees with daytime temperatures in the low to mid-20s.
Sunday, 28 January: Partly cloudy with a medium chance of showers. Overnight temperatures falling to between 14 and 18 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching the low to mid-20s.
Southern Tablelands
Friday, 26 January: Cloudy with the chance of showers and a thunderstorm. Overnight temperatures falling to between 18 and 21 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching mid to high 20s.
Saturday, 27 January: Partly cloudy with a medium chance of showers in the southeast, most likely in the morning. Overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 14 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching 24 to 29 degrees.
Sunday, 28 January: Mostly sunny with a slight chance of a shower in the southeast. Overnight temperatures falling to between 11 and 14 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching 24 to 31 degrees.
South West Slopes
Friday, 26 January: Partly cloudy with a high chance of showers in the south, medium chance elsewhere, and the possibility of a thunderstorm. Overnight temperatures falling to between 16 and 21 with daytime temperatures reaching 22 to 29.
Saturday, 27 January: Sunny with light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 10 and 14 degrees, with daytime temperatures reaching 24 to 29 degrees.
Sunday, 28 January: Sunny with variable winds. Overnight temperatures falling to around 11 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching 26 to 32 degrees.
Riverina
Friday, 26 January: Partly cloudy with a high chance of showers in the southeast, medium chance elsewhere, and the possibility of a thunderstorm. Overnight temperatures falling to between 15 and 20 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching around 30 degrees.
Saturday, 27 January: Sunny with winds tending south to southwesterly. Overnight temperatures falling to between 12 and 15 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching the high 20s.
Sunday, 28 January: Sunny with light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to around 13 degrees with daytime temperatures reaching the low 30s.
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