A blazing heatwave has left people sizzling in areas of New South Wales – including Sydney – South Australia and Victoria for the last three days. Now officials warn the mercury is set to exceed a record-breaking 45C on Wednesday, with warnings the most vulnerable in society could be at risk of death. A “Code Red” as has been declared in South Australia for vulnerable groups including children and the elderly. The move enables additional funding for services to help the homeless, while a phone service will be offered to elderly people.
Paddy Phillips, South Australia’s chief medical officer, warned: “Heat is the worst of our natural emergencies with excess hospital presentations, ambulance transfers and even people potentially dying.”
Australia’s capital, Canberra, is forecast to hit a high of 41C this week while the mercury could hit 45C in Dubbo.
The central-western in the New South Wales town hit the headlines last October when it was visited by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle during their trip down under.
Authorities in New South Wales warned there could be deaths if people did not heed advice to stay safe.
Richard Bome, director of Environmental Health, urged people to “avoid physical activity and stay well hydrated – it’s vital at this time”.
He said: “I’d encourage everyone to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously.
“We know that conditions likes these can cause severe illness, hospital admission and even deaths.”
People are being urged to check on people who may require support as regularly as possible.
And NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Jeff Loy said people should contact emergency services if they find people in dangerous situations.
He said: “As the weather heats up, I cannot stress strongly enough to motorists that it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly.
“It can be just as dangerous to leave the elderly and disabled members of the community in cars during days of extreme heat.”
He also advised people bathing to be careful after a spate of drownings.