Hunter residents are being warned to take extra care as events and activities are altered and cancelled due to Saturday's predicted heatwave.
The temperature is set to climb above 40 degrees in parts of the Hunter and other areas of the state in what could be Sydney's hottest day in years.
Ausgrid has cancelled a planned outage in Stockton due to the weather, which would have affected more than 400 homes between 8am and 5pm.
Run times at this weekend's Dashville Xmas Weekender event in Lower Belford have been altered to cope with the sweltering conditions.
Newcastle District Cricket games will still go ahead at this stage, with the association's heat policy including provision for extra drinks breaks and extended intervals if needed. Games can be cancelled if the temperature reaches 42 degrees.
Hunter New England Health has issued a warning not to handle or touch injured, or dead, wildlife including flying foxes and microbats.
Public Health Physician David Durrheim said the forecasted high temperatures could result in unwell bats that may fall out of trees, prompting people to pick them up or attempt to rescue them.
"Do not attempt to touch or handle flying foxes or microbats, dead or alive," Dr Durrheim said.
"If you see a dead bat in a public area, contact your local council and ask them to dispose of it.
"If you see a bat in distress, please call your local wildlife rehabilitation organisation, in circumstances where untrained people attempt to rescue bats they often do more harm than good."
The Australian Red Cross is also urging residents to take action and plan how they will manage the weather.
Australian Red Cross State Director for New South Wales, Kate Miranda said heatwaves are more than just another hot day.
"These weather events can be extremely dangerous, and it's vital that people have a plan to keep cool, especially those who are vulnerable, older or unwell," Ms Miranda said.
"When temperatures rise, simple steps like keeping hydrated, staying indoors and wearing light clothing can make a significant difference."
Australian Red Cross tips for coping with the heat include:
- Drink regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. Water is the best option. Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and sugary or fizzy drinks as they make dehydration worse.
- Eat little and often, rather than large meals. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.
- Stay indoors in the coolest rooms of your house or in the shade during the hottest part of the day.
- Take cool showers and splash yourself with cold water several times a day, particularly your face and the back of your neck. A loose, cotton, damp cloth or scarf on the back of the neck can help you stay cool.
- Air flow: Make sure there is sufficient air circulation, either from an air conditioner or by leaving a secured window or door open.
- Find the shade: If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes, preferably made of natural fibres. Wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 to exposed skin. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
- Look out for your family, friends and neighbours: If you know someone who might be susceptible to heat stress, stop by or give them a call and make sure they know what to do to stay cool.
Do you have an event that has been cancelled or altered due to the heatwave? Email news@newcastleherald.com.au.
