Top End braces for yet another heatwave

Duty forecaster at the Bureau of Meteorology, Sally Cutter, said dry air higher in the atmosphere is shutting down showers and storms and resulting in climbing temperatures.

"So what we're seeing is above average, significantly above average, daytime temperatures but also elevated temperatures overnight," Ms Cutter said.

"So we're not getting any respite from those hot temperatures, which is what's leading to the heatwave conditions."

Katherine's temperatures are set to climb to 41C every day from Monday to Friday, before showers provide some respite on the weekend.

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Overnight minimums are also set to reach 28C in Katherine most days.

Ms Cutter said the maximum temperatures were significantly above average for Katherine for this time of year.

"The average [maximum] for Tindal is 36 and the minimum is 25," she said.

The heat is set to be concentrated in the far top end on Monday before making its way further south into southern Queensland and northern New South Wales by the end of the week.

"What's there now is really the Top End, the northern parts. And then it's expanding south as we go through the week," Ms Cutter said.

Katherine has only just recovered from another "extreme" heatwave which hit the Top End earlier this month.

Some parts of the region are expected to have some of the highest temperatures in the country in the coming days with Timber Creek hitting 43C, Ngukker also hitting 43C and Daguragu reaching a maximum of 44C.

NT Health advises residents and visitors of impacted areas to take precautions to avoid heat stress during a heatwave.

"Heat stress is not the same as dehydration. If you experience heat stress, the best way of reducing body temperature is to drink cold or iced water and decrease physical activity," an NT Health spokesperson said.

"Children, people aged over 65, people living alone, people who are socially isolated and people who are taking medications that affect the body's ability to cope with heat, are among those who are most affected by heat stress and should take extra care.

"Be prepared. Stay cool and stay safe. Make sure you take care of your pets and animals as they can also be impacted by heat stress."

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