IF you’re expecting some respite from the heat, think again.
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The Upper Hunter will experience more soaring temperatures at the end of the week – for the second time this month.
Muswellbrook’s hottest recorded day for January occurred in 2013 when the mercury hit 44.2 degrees.
The town’s already reached 42.6 (January 7) in 2018 but be prepared for 40 (Friday) and a pair of 41s (Saturday and Sunday).
It’s no better in Scone, with the gauge predicted to peak at 41 on three consecutive days this weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).
As for neighbouring Singleton, don’t count on much relief there either.
Saturday’s high of 40 will be bookended by 39 on Friday and Sunday, respectively.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology’s Andrew Haigh, it’s not uncommon for this time of year.
“Generally, during summer, we have fairly light winds across central Australia, which allows the air to build up,” he said.
“Then a lot of heat, from the ground, transfers to the air [in central Australia].
“When it blows from the north-west, that hot air gets dragged over New South Wales – forcing the temperatures to rise.
“Unfortunately for the Upper Hunter, it is further from the coast.
“So, the sea breeze doesn’t reach up there.
“And, it usually stays hot for a few days.
“It takes a more substantial cold front to cool things off, like last weekend.”