Deniliquin’s temperature reached about 43°C on Wednesday and at the time of going to print yesterday was pushing toward the predicted 45°C.
Another 43°C is predicted today, and with winds expected to be a little stronger than yesterday, the fire risk is high.
While conditions are set to ease slightly over the weekend and early next week, it probably won’t be long until another scorcher comes along.
Temperatures next week will mostly be in the mid-30s, but humidity will be the killer. The prediction on most days of a humidity rating of about 40 per cent, and reaching almost 60 per cent on Wednesday.
Residents are being urged to stay hydrated, avoid the hottest parts of the day and check on neighbours, pets and livestock as the heatwave persists.
Free pool entry today
Offering extra help to keep locals and visitors for sweltering too much is the Deniliquin Swim Centre.
For yesterday and today, the pool hours changed so that the pool was closed between 1pm and 3pm - considered the hottest part of the day.
To compensate, the pool will remain open an extra hour, with swimming until 8pm.
Free entry was also offered yesterday and today, giving people a chance to cool off safely.
Beat the heat at your local library
Another great way to beat the heat is by heading to your local library.
At Edward River Library, people can enjoy airconditioned spaces, free Wi‑Fi, computer access and a wide range of books, magazines and newspapers.
Summer programs, including children’s storytelling, craft sessions and family movie afternoons, provide indoor entertainment when it’s too hot to be outside begin next week.
Starting Monday and running for two weeks, the summer holiday program will include creating art journals, virtual reality sessions, Baby Bounce, slime making, fuse beads, learning to paint and other painting sessions, and even a UNO competition.
You can learn more about each of the sessions - including dates, time and any costs - by going to https://www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Library/Whats-On-Library.
The library is open weekdays from 10am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 12pm. It is closed on public holidays.
Café celebration
The new year led to celebration in more ways than one for Jonathan Cox last week.
Celebrating his birthday, Mr Cox and some friends gathered at Frank n Beans on Friday morning.
While Mr Cox’s actual birthday was on Saturday, January 3 the get together was held a day in advance in Deniliquin as he was heading to Melbourne for his actual birthday.
Week two of free movies
The first of Edward River Council’s Free Summer Movie Series was a huge hit on Tuesday, and there’s two more weeks to come.
Held Tuesdays at the Deniliquin Town Hall, two movies are being offered each night.
For this coming Tuesday, the 5pm movie is Bad Guys 2 (G), and the 7.30pm movie is The Fall Guy (M).
Screenings for Tuesday, January 20 will be The Smurfs (G) and Happy Gilmore (PG).
Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Please note, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information, visit www.edwardriver.nsw.gov.au/Community/Events-Activities-Whats-On-Calendar.
Hospital AFA
After a Boxing Day callout to Deniliquin Hospital to extinguish a fire started by a discarded cigarette butt, Deniliquin Fire + Rescue NSW was called back to the facility earlier this week.
Thankfully, this time there was no fire.
The hospital’s automatic fire alarm was activated just after 9am on Tuesday.
Staff and firefighters investigated and found no fire.
Acting Captain Les Booth said because of their sensitivity, the AFAs can sometimes be activated by dirt or dust particles.
28°C