Hawke's Bay to miss worst of heatwave - but risks remain

Families cool off in sizzling heat on Marine Parade at the weekend. Photo File

While the rest of the country is gearing up for one of the hottest weeks on record, Hawke's Bay is in the unusual - for us - position of missing out on the worst of the predicted heatwave.

The unusual easterly winds are working in our favour, cooling us down as the rest of New Zealand heats up.

That's not to say, however, that we are feeling overly comfortable.

Temperatures in Hawke's Bay are still in the high 20s and low 30s - a fairly typical Bay scorcher of a summer.

These high temperatures can be risky business.

In Christchurch last week a woman with multiple sclerosis died after overheating, as that city hit 32C on Wednesday. People with multiple sclerosis can struggle to control their body temperature in hot weather, as can the very young, the very old and the simply unwary.

It is important to be aware of the threat posed by the heat. Heatstroke, dehydration and heat exhaustion can be fatal and can be prevented.

Health experts advise plenty of water, ice packs and fans as well as staying out of the sun and not leaving children, older people or pets in parked cars.

Police are also urging that people need to be vigilant and use their common sense, after police in the Waikato attended an emergency rescue yesterday where two pre-schoolers had been left locked in an overheated car.

Let's all stay safe in the heat, be sensible and keep an eye out for others.