NSW Ambulance is urging people to monitor conditions with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecasting severe-intensity heatwave conditions for the Upper Western district, Mid North Coast, Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands from today, 24 November, 2025.
NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Steve Vaughan, Associate Director Emergency Management said people need to plan ahead and monitor conditions as heatwave conditions develop across the north of the state, with temperatures possibly to reach the high-thirties and beyond in locations such as Bourke, Dorrigo and Lismore.
‘Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for some people, especially the elderly, babies, children, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and people who are unwell or have medical conditions,’ Chief Superintendent Vaughan said.
NSW Ambulance has issued an Advice warning for these severe-intensity heatwaves. Stay up to date in case the situation changes.
What to do?
- Stay hydrated – make sure you drink plenty of water and carry a water bottle with you.
- Keep cool – seek air-conditioned buildings, draw your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made of natural fabrics.
- Avoid the heat – schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising in the heat.
- Check in on vulnerable people – hot weather can affect everyone, but some people are at greater risk of heat-related health problems. This includes people aged 65 years and older, babies and young children, and people with some medical conditions.
- Never leave children or pets in a vehicle – leaving children or pets unattended in a car can be fatal. The temperature inside a parked car can double in minutes.
Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps. People with these symptoms should move out of the sun and seek shade or use a fan or air conditioning, take a cool shower or bath if possible and take sips of water.
People who do not respond to these steps or who show symptoms suggesting a more severe illness, including a sudden rise in body temperature, who are no longer sweating, showing aggressive or strange behaviour or who are fitting, should seek urgent medical attention or call Triple Zero (000).
For further information, updates and advice go to the NSW Ambulance website or follow NSW Ambulance on Facebook and Instagram. For the latest weather forecasts and heatwave warnings go to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) website.
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