Narrandera is one of many south-east Australian regions to have experienced a heatwave which saw the temperatures soar into the 40s each day of the last week in January.

Sunday 25 January marked the start of the most recent hot spell when the maximum temperature peaked at 45.5C.

The maximum temperature remained above 40C for the following six days.

The maximum temperature was consistent on January 26 and 27, with the mercury peaking at 43.3C.

The hottest January day this year was shared on Wednesday 28 and Friday 30 when locals endured a sweltering 46.4C on both days – one degree lower than Narrandera’s hottest ever day, which was recorded on 4 January, 2020.

There was no respite on the final day of January when a maximum temperature of 45.1C was recorded in Narrandera.

Although temperatures are predicted not to reach above 40C, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting the following week to remain warm with maximum temperatures hovering between the mid to high 30s.

The extreme heatwave was the second spell in January and was reported to be caused by an upper high or heat dome above South Australia, Victoria and inland NSW and a trough dragging hot, dry north westerly air into the south east of the continent.

Health authorities advised people living in heatwave-affected areas to take all necessary precautions for their health and wellbeing.

The Australian Red Cross advises the following in a heatwave:

• Stay inside and stay out of the heat as much as possible. Plan to do most of your activities early or late in the day to avoid being outside during the hottest hours

• Avoid sport or heavy exercise during peak hours of the day

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated even if you don't feel thirsty

• Keep your home cool by using external shade cloths or blinds to shield the inside of the house from direct sunlight

• Where possible use a combination of electric fans and air conditioning to keep certain rooms of the house cool. Electric fans can be an effective method of cooling if air conditioning is not available

• If not using air conditioning open windows in the cooler parts of the day and allow ventilation between rooms

• Take cool baths or showers, splash yourself with water and use cool damp cloth to cool down

• If it’s too hot at home, go to an airconditioned shopping centre, community centre, library or local pool

• Avoid direct exposure to the sun and protect yourself with ap-propriate clothing (loose fitting, light weight and light coloured). Do not leave children or animals in parked vehicles

• Keep in touch with friends, neighbours and relatives, particularly if they’re unwell or isolated.

Keep an eye on pets who are susceptible during a heatwave.

If you or someone you know becomes unwell during a heatwave, call 000 immediately.

Meanwhile, during heatwave conditions, Narrandera locals are urged to be vigilant of fire risks.

Early reporting saves lives and properties.

Anyone who sees a fire starting that they cannot safely control should move to a safe location immediately, call 000 and ask for the fire service and provide clear details about the location, size and behav-iour of the fire.

Community caution plays a critical role in preventing bushfire disasters and supporting firefighters.

More details: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans/total-fire-ban-rules