By Angus Dalton
Sydneysiders and the Easter camping convoys heading to regional parts of the state are in for a warm, sunny and largely dry long weekend, although health authorities have warned those travelling out of the city to cover up amid high mosquito populations.
Good Friday is set to hit 25 degrees in Sydney with a small chance of light showers before a sunny weekend, with misty mornings giving way to highs of 27 degrees on Saturday and Sunday.
Easter long weekenders are in for warm and dry weather across the state.Credit: Louise Kennerley
“We’re looking at a mostly fine Easter long weekend for much of New South Wales and the ACT, just a few coastal showers around the east coast on Friday,” senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, Dean Narramore, said.
“For Sydney itself we can expect a mild warm and mostly sunny Easter long weekend with temperatures in the mid to high 20s and lots of sunshine.”
Sydney will be spared from a cold front delivering a gusty and rainy end to the long weekend in parts of south-east Australia, and western NSW could see a dumping of rain on Sunday delivered by leftover moisture from ex-Tropical Cyclone Megan.
NSW Health warned campers ahead of the long weekend to pack repellent and cover up to avoid mosquito bites due to populations booming in the state’s north after warm and wet weather.
Sydney is sparkling as crowds head to the Royal Easter Show.Credit: Rhett Wyman
There are high mosquito numbers in popular coastal holiday destinations including Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Newcastle and Narooma, according to the latest surveillance report.
Mosquitoes carrying Ross River and Barmah Forest virus were detected recently on the state’s north coast.
“There is no specific treatment for these viruses. The best way to avoid infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes,” NSW Health director of environmental health Dr Stephen Conaty said.
“Although not detected recently, mosquitoes may also carry serious viruses such as Murray Valley Encephalitis, Kunjin and Japanese Encephalitis, particularly west of the ranges.”
The warm end to the month comes after a string of nine consecutive days above 28 degrees ushered in the hottest start to March for Sydney in more than 100 years.