People heading to a major music festival this weekend have been warned to hydrate themselves 48 hours beforehand as a record-breaking heatwave descends on the event.
HSU Events sent a warning to attendees of the Epik music festival in Sydney's Olympic Park on Saturday, telling them to hydrate in the two days leading up to the event.
The festival is heating up as the city braces for a maximum temperature of 41 degrees Celsius when the festival kicks off.
NSW Health is now on board to ensure everyone is safe and several new features have been added to the site, including a cold room and misting stations.
Meteorologists have warned that forecast temperatures in the state will be the hottest weather since the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfire season.
Attendees at Saturday's Epik music festival in Sydney have been warned to hydrate for the 48 hours leading up to the event, as the city braces for a severe heatwave
The event's organizers, HSU, sent out a message Thursday warning revelers to brace for the heat and listing ways the festival plans to accommodate them
HSU claims it routinely draws 20,000 people for its events, setting off alarm bells for organizers looking to prevent a mass onset of heat stroke.
“This weekend looks like the hottest weather event for an HSU event,” read an alert sent out Thursday.
“We will do everything we can to keep this a great experience, but please know your limits, especially in this heat.
'Don't forget to start hydrating today, what you drink today will benefit you tomorrow!'
Organizers announced the addition of several misting stations and industrial fans to be installed inside and outside the venue, as well as additional water stations.
Howie Igloo, an indoor cooling area, will also provide air conditioning and furniture for those attending.the coolest spot in the room,” the post said.
In total, there will be at least 12 drinking stations throughout the site, according to HSU's map.
The Epik music festival initially went on sale in mid-October and was completely sold out within a few days.
HSU hosts 10 events in Sydney each year and calls Epik his 'masterpiece'.
In the lead-up, another alert was sent to attendees informing those in attendance that there will be a zero tolerance policy for drugs on Saturday.
“There is no such thing as a safe medicine, so don't take the chance,” read one post on Instagram.
'Don't be a mule: there are people who prey on young adults to bring banned substances to events.
“If you get caught, you can go to jail. Don't do it and don't risk your future.'
Howie's Igloo, an indoor cooling area, has been added to the location map for anyone in need of cooling, as well as several misting stations, industrial fans and a dozen water stations
Epik is expected to attract more than 20,000 people, with tickets selling out within days of going on sale in mid-October
Meteorologists are warning Sydneysiders this week to prepare for an extreme heatwave this weekend.
Temperatures inside Sydney will reach 39°C, Parramatta and Campbelltown will reach 42°C and Penrith will reach a sweltering 44°C on Saturday.
Sydney's eastern suburbs will be slightly cooler than other parts, with highs of 39ºC on Saturday and 26ºC on Sunday.
The highest maximum temperature recorded this week was 46 degrees Celsius in Smithville, near the NSW-SA border – the hottest air temperature in NSW in three years.
While a southerly change is expected to bring cooler temperatures to Sydney on Sunday, regions of the state will experience highs of 40 degrees Celsius well into next week.
NSW Health urged residents to plan ahead and take steps to cope with the heat, which could particularly affect people over 65, babies, young children, pregnant women and the homeless.
Hot weather can stress the body by worsening underlying health conditions, NSW Health executive director Jeremy McAnulty said.
“It is important that people know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones cool,” he said.
'If they can, they should also take time to check on vulnerable and elderly neighbors and family to ensure their safety in the heat.'
A brutal heatwave will spread across Australia this weekend as half the country braces for persistent temperatures with little relief (pictured, maximum temperatures this weekend)