Southern NSW Health said every year hot weather causes illness, hospitalisations and sometimes even death.

“Most heat-related illnesses are preventable if people use common sense and remain vigilant in staying hydrated,” director of the Public Health Unit Tracey Oakman said.

Bureau of Meteorology data says today will reach 37 degrees, with light northeasterly winds increasing throughout the day.

The fire danger rating for the Southern Ranges today is very high, although no fire ban is in place.

Hot temperatures should continue through to next Tuesday, which is forecast for 38 degrees.

The bureau says Wednesday will drop down to 33 and Thursday is predicted to be 30 degrees.

Ms Oakman said the elderly were at particular risk to heatstroke on days like today.

“It is important that if you know an elderly person living on their own, you make arrangements for someone to visit them twice daily to make sure they are OK,” she said.

“Signs of heat-related illness include confusion, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, weakness, headaches and loss of sweating.

“People showing any of these signs should seek urgent medical attention.”

The health district said to check with your doctor how to stay healthy in the heat if you are on medication or a fluid restriction.

Southern NSW Health suggestions on things you can do:

Work or play sport in the cooler part of the day. Stay out of the heat and sun between 11am and 5pm if you can.

Hydration: don’t forget your drink. Participants should drink an average of two cups of water in the two hours before exercising and two to three cups of cool water every hour while exercising.

Wet cloths are useful to cool your body.

Wear light clothing that allows ventilation and protects you from sun exposure.

Wear a hat, put on sunscreen and wear sunglasses.

Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks.

Keep the sun out of the house by shading windows with an awning, or shade-cloth. Shutting curtains will also help.

Keep windows closed during the day. Open them when it cools down at night or the early morning.

If you don’t have an air-conditioner, try to spend time in an air-conditioned place like a shopping centre, library or cinema.

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