The Australian Bureau of Meteorology is predicting a hot weekend with temperatures to exceed 40 degrees.

BOM is predicting 40 degrees on Friday, and 41 degrees on Saturday and Sunday. There will be no relief in the new week, with Monday ushering in a predicted 42 degrees with a possible late shower on Tuesday.

Rural Fire Service Superintendent Michael Brooks said the conditions will not help firefighters.

“The expected upcoming weather conditions could be challenging,” he said.

“We want to encourage everyone to practice good fire safety, have a fire plan ready and to be aware of current fire conditions near them.”

Those out on sporting fields over the weekend will need to take particular care to cover up and keep up sunscreen and water.

NSW Police is reminding motorists that it’s not only an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, it can be deadly.

With the impending heatwave, Gunnedah RSPCA has issued a warning to pet owners on its Facebook page. Some of the branch’s tips include bringing dogs, cats and other small pets inside where possible and giving them access to plenty of shade and water.

The branch suggested filling empty soft drink bottles with water and freezing them so they can be placed in pets’ water bowls to help keep the water cool during the day. Owners can also make ice blocks for dog using their favourite treats, such as chicken necks and meat.

Bird and small pet owners are advised to cover outside cages, hutches and aviaries with damp towels and gently mist birds and small pets with a hose or spray bottle during the day. It can also be helpful to give them cold fruit during the day including watermelon, mango, apple (no seeds), pear (no seeds), banana, oranges (no seeds), strawberries and kiwi fruit.

Help out your neighbourhood birds by filling bird baths and/or leave a shallow bowl of water out for birds and wildlife including koalas.

The RSPCA branch said if anyone spots an animal shut in a car, they should call 000 immediately.

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