Canberrans urged to stay safe this summer as temperatures near December record

Canberra was predicted to meet the December heat record, with temperatures expected to reach 39 degrees. But Weatherzone meteorologist Angus Mclean-Smith said on Tuesday afternoon that it was looking unlikely to happen.

"Canberra has a lot of cloud cover coming in the afternoon and temperatures dropped from lunchtime which was the highest for today," Mr Mclean-Smith said.

"It's looking unlikely that it will reach the 39 degree mark, with the afternoon cooling off and going between 32 to 34."

Erica McGlashan and friends celebrated her 13th birthday at Kambah Pools to escape the heat.

"We've been here since about 10am and it's been really fun. We've fallen over a lot, splashed around and eaten a lot of food," the 13-year-old said.

"We knew it was going to be really hot and the pools just seemed like a good place to chill in the water, splash around and make sure we wear sunscreen - a lot of suncreen."

Martin McGlashan, Erica's dad, said even though it wasn't as hot as predicted the weather was a good excuse to come to the pools.

"There's a few other places to go, but I guess a lot more people go to proper swimming pools than this sort of thing where as this is the kind of thing that I grew up with in the Blue Mountains so we prefer this than the more structured environment of a swimming pool," Mr McGlashan said.

"We've been sitting in the shade and the breeze has been really nice."

The forecast predicted a slight chance of a shower in the afternoon, but there was a better chance of rain on Wednesday which would bring a cool relief.

Canberrans are urged to stay safe this summer with the ACT's fire danger ratings set very high.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a fire warning for the Eastern Riverina area with a severe fire danger forecasted. Hot and windy conditions expected across inland New South Wales ahead of a cold front that will move into the southwest of the state late in the day.

The NSW Rural Fire Service advices people in the area to prepare.

ACT chief health officer Dr Paul Kelly reminded Canberras to be aware of symptoms of heat which include exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, faintness, nausea and vomiting.

"People with these symptoms should seek urgent medical attention by visiting their GP or attending the walk-in centre of their nearest hospital. Call triple-zero for an ambulance in an emergency," Dr Kelly said.

"It's important to prepare for hot conditions by staying well hydrated and staying inside during the hottest parts of the day."

He urged people to check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.

"The elderly, young children and babies are most at risk during extreme heat events."

Police and the RSPCA are reminding the public that not only is it an offence for children or pets to be left unattended in a vehicle, even with the air conditioning on, but it can be deadly.

RSPCA ACT chief executive officer Tammy Ven Dange said the organisation is inundated with calls regarding animals trapped in cars at this time of year.

"Many people instinctively call RSPCA, or other welfare organisations," Ms Ven Dange said.

"However, in an emergency, RSPCA inspectors may not be able to attend quickly enough. The fastest response may be to locate the owner in a nearby store.

"If they cannot be located or if the animal is showing signs of heat stroke, emergency action may be necessary."

There's cool relief on the way with temperatures to fall by Thursday but in the lead up to Christmas temperatures will be back up in the low to mid-30s with Sunday predicted to be 36 degrees.

Christmas day was predicted to have a low of 14 degrees and a maximum of 25 with showers and a possible afternoon storm.

To reduce the dangers of hot weather, Dr Kelly suggested to stay indoors with windows and doors closed and make use of fans or air-conditioners, to make sure you get enough rest.

"Stay cool by taking a cool shower or bath and try eating cold foods such as salads or fruit," he said.

"Limit non-essential strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day and avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can make dehydration worse."

Other tips include wearing light weight clothing and be sun-smart. Protect yourself from sunburn by wearing a hat and applying SPF30+ sun-screen every two hours.