The Southern NSW Local Health District has issued a warning to the community urging people to take care after the Bureau of Meteorology predicted parts of NSW will be affected by a heatwave over the next few days.

While Merimbula and Eden are predicted to have temperatures of 30-32 degrees, dropping back sharply into the mid 20s on Sunday, Bega is set for 37 degrees on Friday and 35 degrees on Saturday.

Further inland it gets worse with Cooma expecting 38 degrees over the weekend, Canberra rising to 40/41 degrees and out west, Griffith’s expected to hit 45 degrees.

Even Nowra, further along the coast will not be exempt with 40 predicted for both Friday and Saturday, all of which makes Merimbula look like a very pleasant place to be.

The heat wave follows a couple of days of much-needed rain producing almost 30mm at Merimbula Airport. In the four month previous, from October 2016 to the end of January 2017, just 74mm fell.

Some on tank water around the shire had been getting close to having to order water and so there was considerable relief not only from gardeners but also from rural households. 

In the run up to the more recent wet weather water trucks have been making an appearance around the shire.

HP Hetherington owner Philip Hetherington said they had seen an increase in business.

"Last month (January) we were reasonably busy, but last week we were very busy," Mr Hetherington said.

Mr Hetherington's business covers the northern part of the shire including Candelo, Wolumla, Bega and Tathra.

He said his company supplied domestic water only and so the increased business was to households whose tanks had run dry.

"I've been in the business for the last three years and this is the first time I've seen it this busy," he said.

With temperatures expected to reach 35-40 degrees Celsius, the Southern NSW Local Health District is urging people to take the risk of heat-related illness seriously.

Tracey Oakman, Director Public Health said while heat-related illness may affect anyone, certain groups are particularly vulnerable.

“These include the over 75s, infants and children, people with a chronic medical condition and people who live alone. Australians are accustomed to hot weather and generally consider themselves resilient to such conditions,” Ms Oakman said.

“However, every year, hot weather and heat waves cause illness, hospitalisations and sometimes even deaths.”

During a heat wave, it is very important to stay in regular contact with your elderly friends, neighbours and relatives, and to look out for other vulnerable members of your community.

“Heat puts a lot of strain on the body and can cause dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It can also make underlying health conditions worse. However, being prepared and taking some simple precautions can reduce the risk of heat-related illness,” said Mrs Oakman.

These simple precautions will help people minimise their risk of heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water, and remember to carry some with you when you’re out and about.

• Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks.

• Plan your day around the heat. Stay indoors between 11am and 5pm and minimise physical activity.

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