A lone fisherman braves the Hawke's Bay heat at Perfume Point last summer. Photo / NZME
A lone fisherman braves the Hawke's Bay heat at Perfume Point last summer. Photo / NZME
A heatwave has been putting pressure on Hawke's Bay Hospital's emergency department.
A Hawke's Bay DHB spokeswoman said ED had a surge in presentations on Sunday due to trauma and heat-related medical events.
MetService measuredparts of Hawke's Bay as hotter than 31C by the end of the day. Hastings peaked at 31.2C, Napier's CBD sweltered at 30.3C, the airport was 29.4C, Wairoa 28.3C and Mahia was close behind at 28.1C.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said the heatwave is expected to last until close to the end of this week.
She said the first "cool" day of the week will likely be Thursday.
"Wednesday is a warm day, but not as warm as it has been the last few days. But the first noticeably cooler day will be towards the end of the week, Thursday or Friday."
Hawke's Bay Airport was 25.2C at 11.50am on Monday.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Rachel Eyre said the hot weather Hawke's Bay is experiencing means people are at risk of dehydration, sunburn and overheating and that the most vulnerable are the elderly, babies and those with medical conditions.
"Never leave children in a car, even for a moment," she said.
Eyre added that outdoor activities should be planned for early in the day to avoid the sun between 11am and 4pm - when ultraviolet rays are most fierce.
Hawke's Bay Hospital's Emergency room was at capacity on Sunday after a surge in heat-related medical events. Photo / NZME
She said signs that children are becoming dangerously dehydrated include: pale clammy skin, sleepiness and floppiness, fewer wet nappies than usual, dark urine and irritability. If parents are concerned about their child and an extra drink of water is not helping, they should seek medical advice.
She said older people who suffer from confusion may be at risk, because they may not know or may not be able to communicate that they are thirsty.
"Older people being cared for should be offered water more often than usual, kept as cool as possible and watched for changes in condition, especially increased confusion or fainting. If you have an elderly neighbour, please check up on them."
She also warns outdoor workers to take care of themselves by drinking water often and wearing hats, clothing and sunscreen that could protect them from the sun.
"If you or someone you know feels dizzy, weak or has an intense thirst or headache, it may be dehydration. Drink some water and rest in a cool place."
She said that if symptoms persist or there is concern about heat-related issues, people should seek medical advice from their GP, or call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116 for advice from a trained registered nurse.