After a relatively mild start to 2018, the heat will be back in full force on Saturday, with temperatures of 40 degrees predicted for Leeton and 43 in Griffith. 

It’s a slight change from what has been a pleasant week weather-wise. 

In Leeton on New Year’s Day temperatures reached 32.5 degrees, followed by 31 on Tuesday and 29 on Wednesday. 

Thursday is expected to reach 33 and then 37 on Friday. 

Griffith residents have experienced similar temperatures. New Year’s Day reached 32.5, Tuesday 30.5 and Wednesday 29. 

Thursday should reach 34 degrees before climbing to 38 on Friday to round out what is for most the first week back at work after the festive break. 

Much of the same is expected in Coleambally, with expected to climb to 37 degrees on Friday, 41 on Saturday and 39 on Sunday. 

With cricket returning to the pitch this weekend, players have been urged to take measures to protect themselves from the sun where possible and re-hydrate often. 

For those with nothing else to do but enjoy the summer climate, there’s plenty to do in the MIA. 

The Murrumbidgee River is an ideal place to cool off or take part in water sport. 

The shady banks can also provide the ideal spot to pull up a chair and drop in a line. 

Leeton, Narrandera and Griffith all have pools for residents to use. 

Or, if that’s not your thing, staying under the air-conditioner and popping on a movie or two is also a good idea. 

With summer in full swing, the Cancer Council has reminded residents to take care of their skin. 

New Cancer Council research released late last year showed Australians were forgetting to slip on a shirt to protect themselves from the sun and that an alarming number of adults are getting sunburnt on summer weekends.  

The Cancer Council National Sun Protection Survey showed overall the proportion of adults slipping on clothing to protect themselves from the sun had decreased from 19 per cent to 17 per cent in the last three years.  

Meanwhile, the proportion of adults who get sunburned on the weekend hasn’t improved and now sits at 17 per cent, equivalent to more than 2.7 million adults.

Cancer Council Australia chief executive officer Professor Sanchia Aranda said it was a concern sun protection behaviours among adults had recently deteriorated.

She said and it reinforced the need for governments to continue to invest in skin cancer campaigns to ensure adults remain vigilant about reducing their UV exposure.

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“Australia hasn’t had federal funding for a skin cancer prevention campaign since 2007 – this latest data suggests adults are becoming complacent about UV and demonstrates the urgent need for a refreshed national campaign,” Professor Aranda said. 

Professor Aranda also welcomed some of the positive news in the research.

“The good news is that sunscreen use has increased since the first survey,” she said.

“This is excellent news, but there is still a lot of work to do.

“We suspect Aussies are slopping on sunscreen while at the same time reducing their use of covering clothing and expecting to be protected all day long. Sunscreen is a great tool to help protect your skin, but it isn’t a suit of armour. The motto remains the same - slip, slop, slap, seek shade and slide on sunglasses. Wearing covering clothing is one of the simplest and effective ways to protect your skin.”