The temperature is tipped to soar to a scorching 43 degrees in Forbes today (Tuesday) after the warmest weekend we’ve experienced this summer.

The mercury peaked at 39.4 degrees on Thursday; 38.4 on Saturday and 39 on Sunday.

It was 37.4 degrees at 2pm Monday when the Advocate was preparing to go to press.

The hot weather’s not over yet, with temperatures forecast to reach 42 degrees on Tuesday with north to north westerly winds of up to 34 km/hr.

There will be a reprieve Wednesday with a forecast top of 34, before another hot weekend with temperatures of 38 predicted Saturday and 40 Sunday.

Dr Ben Scalley, Director of Environmental Health, said it was important people took precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.

A NSW Health study published this year found extreme heatwaves lead to a more than 10 per cent increase in both deaths and ambulance callouts.

“People can be unprepared for the first heat spike of summer, so we are reminding them to take safety measures against the effects of overheating and sun exposure,” Dr Scalley said.

“It’s important people keep up their water intake, stay cool and avoid strenuous physical activity in the heat of the day.

“Heat places a lot of strain on the body and can interfere with blood circulation and cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”

Signs of heat-related illness may include nausea, vomiting, faintness and dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, loss of sweating and reduced urine output.

People showing severe signs of heat-related illness should seek urgent medical attention through their GP or the hospital.

As the weather heats up, motorists are also reminded it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly.

The Rural Fire Service Mid Lachlan Valley advises monitoring the fire danger rating as with hot temperatures and forecast winds, they may impose a total fire ban. 

Volunteers were called out to several fires sparked by lightning on the weekend, all were brought under control although crews were monitoring a fire at Bumberry. 

Check for updates on the fire danger rating online through www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ or contact the Mid Lachlan Valley office in Forbes.