Just as we were beginning to get comfortable with the heat, there is a cold front coming our way.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a rollercoaster forecast this week and over the weekend urging everyone to remain vigilant.
“We are looking at some warmer days this week, looking at 37 in Tamworth on Wednesday with some heat around and most of the Northern Tablelands are heading into the 30s,” said Patrick Clapp, Community Information Officer with the Bureau of Meteorology.
“But there is a cooler air mass coming through, bringing with it a chance of some rainfall and thunderstorm activity, and potentially wind and hail about on Wednesday and onwards.”
While there is talk of rain towards the backend of this week, it is nowhere near what we need to green up the region, and temperatures will take a hit.
“There is the possibility of 0 to 10 millimetres on Thursday and Friday, with temperature progressively cooling down,” said Patrick.
“On Thursday we are looking at lower and mid 20s and Friday will be quite wintery compared to the earlier part of the week, with some places getting down to the teens across the New England and Northern Tablelands areas.”
“Armidale will be 12 degrees maximum on Friday and Saturday morning will dip to a 1 degree low.”
“At this stage Saturday looks like it will be the cooler of the mornings before bouncing back to above average temperatures for our regions as we head into next week.”
The Bureau of Meteorology is asking residents to keep an eye on their weather alerts and remain up to date with their current conditions.
Meanwhile, the New England and Northern Tablelands regions are on a Total Fire Ban today, with the Rural Fire Service asking everyone to be prepared.
“Under the extreme fire danger levels, we definitely need to be mindful and have a plan in place should a fire threaten them.” said Bron Water, Superintendent District Manager for Tamworth Rural Fire Service.
“If you are not prepared you should spend the day away from bushfire prone areas.”
The Rural Fire Service has applauded most of the region in complying with bans and is reminding everyone to not be complacent.
“There have been some fires where someone had a camp fire the night before and have not extinguished it properly, that caused a fire last weekend,” said Bron.
“Others are grinding or welding, doing hot work, and that has caused a number of fire,”
“But our biggest issue is people not notifying their intention to burn, even when permits haven’t been suspended, and they haven’t informed their neighbours, so please communicate well and be prepared.”
During a total fire ban all permits are suspended, you cannot light, maintain, or use a fire in the open, or to carry out any activity in the open that causes, or is likely to cause, a fire.
General purpose hot works (such as welding, grinding or gas cutting or any activity that produces a spark or flame) are not allowed.
You can use an electric barbeque for cooking as long as no combustible material is within two metre while in operation.
To stay up to date download the Hazards Near Me app and ensure your watch zone is correct for any alerts in your area.
Something going on in your part of the region you think people should know about? Send us a news tip or email newsdesk@netimes.com.au.