Yesterday (Saturday, November 28) saw Cootamundra experience its hottest day since last last summer with the mercury reaching 38.8 degrees.
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This came on the back of a 36 degree day on Friday and 33 degrees on Thursday.
After air conditioners, fans and whatever else people could cool off in front of yesterday received a workout, Cootamundra residents have had a reprieve today with the temp back to the high 20s.
With the high temperatures came 3.4mm of rain and winds up to 33 km/h out of the west.
The conditions were such that by mid-morning, the South West Slopes Rural Fire Service (RFS) had issued an alert for all harvest operators in Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and Hilltops areas to immediately stop and check local weather conditions before deciding whether it was safe to continue harvesting.
"Under the current conditions, fires will start easily and spread rapidly. They have the potential to threaten life and property, as well as destroying millions of dollars' worth of crop and equipment," the RFS said.
"The NSW RFS appreciates the cooperation of farmers on days of heightened fire danger. Stopping harvesting until weather conditions ease lowers the risk of fires breaking out and can prevent a great deal of damage."
Today, with calmer conditions, harvest operations have resumed across the district.
Temperatures are set to rise again next week reaching 38 degrees by Tuesday, when once again local residents will be asked to take care in the heat.