Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) and NSW Ambulance have issued urgent public health advice warning of a heatwave affecting Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast on Australia Day, Monday 26 January 2026. Temperatures are expected to climb well above the January average, and health officials are urging the public to treat the conditions as a medical priority.
The high heat and humidity are expected to persist at least through Monday, 26 January, with forecasts indicating hot conditions may continue into the week in some nearby districts. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is forecasting daytime maxima in the mid-to-high 30s for parts of the Mid North Coast (around 34–36°C in some forecasts), well above the historical January average of about 27°C.
NSW Health advises people to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, seek air-conditioned spaces where possible, and drink plenty of water even if they do not feel thirsty. Local councils are promoting cooling hubs such as community centres and other air‑conditioned public facilities for people without home cooling; however, residents should check Coffs Harbour City Council or MNCLHD for confirmed open locations and hours because some library branches are closed for the Australia Day public holiday.
NSW Ambulance has flagged a projected 10–15% increase in Triple Zero (000) calls during peak heat hours and expects more presentations for heat-related conditions such as dizziness, nausea and exhaustion. Officials urge residents to check on elderly neighbours, keep infants out of direct sun and in the shade, and call emergency services immediately if someone is confused, fainting, not sweating or shows signs of heatstroke.
For the latest, follow BOM warnings for the Mid North Coast, the MNCLHD public health page, NSW Ambulance advisories, and NSW Health ‘Beat the Heat’ guidance before attending outdoor Australia Day events.
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