Temperatures in Nowra had reached 30 degrees just after 9am on Friday with a top of 36 degrees forecast and winds up to 40km/h.

Ulladulla reached 29 degrees by 9am, with temperatures expected to hit 31 degrees by mid afternoon. 

Kiama had also hit 29 degrees by 9am, with top temperatures to hit 32 by late afternoon, with winds of up to 40km/h. 

Due to the hot temperatures and gusty winds, the NSW Rural Fire Service has issued a a total fire ban and severe weather warning for the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region and Southern Ranges.

No fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended during a Total Fire Ban. Gas and electric barbeques may be used provided certain conditions are met.

With the region set to experience its warmest weather since February, NSW Ambulance and the Bureau of Meteorology are advising people of all ages to take care and avoid the extreme heat.

NSW Ambulance Chief Superintendent Alan Morrison said it was important to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion, especially among children and the elderly. 

“These include nausea, faintness, dizziness, loss of appetite, weakness, headache, and vomiting,” he said.

“Heat can kill which is why it’s so important to stay hydrated and look out for the elderly the young and pets.”

Bureau of Meteorology NSW/ACT Manager of Weather Services Jake Phillips said as this the first heatwave of the season, and coming off the back off relatively mild conditions, it will have more impact on the community than normal. 

“One of the characteristics of heatwaves is not just hotter maximum temperatures but also hotter minimum,” he said. 

Total Fire Ban rules and a map of current Total Fire Ban areas are listed at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.