Canberrans who have stepped outside and felt particularly sweaty these past four days can blame the mercury for hitting 30 degrees or higher since Friday.
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And they may not get some relief for at least another week.
A low intensity heatwave has hit the capital and the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a good chance of it lasting until Monday.
Senior forecaster at the Bureau Peter Zmijewski said majority of heatwaves were low intensity, with most people expected to be capable of coping with the level of heat.
"We are expecting another six days of temperatures in the early 30 degrees, then climbing to 38 degrees on Friday before we're expecting some slight relief on the weekend where it will likely drop back to the low thirties or possibly late twenties."
"Then it could climb up again to 34 degrees on Monday."
Canberrans can also expect warm nights for the rest of the week and into the weekend, with forecast minimum temperatures of between 14 and 19 degrees.
The hot week ahead will follow Canberra Airport recording a sweltering top of 31.3 degrees on Sunday - slightly cooler than the top of 34 degrees predicted.
It indicates a hot start to 2017, warmer than January's average.
In the first week of the year, the mean minimum was 13.8 degrees, while the average top was 29.4 degrees.
In the lead up to the heatwave, Calvary Hospital emergency department co-director Matt Luther warned pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions, children and the elderly to stay protected from the sun.
He also reminded everyone to stay hydrated and wear light-coloured and light-weight clothing.
