It is due to be hot and wet in the capital this week with a top of 35 degrees forecast on Monday and Tuesday with a chance of evening thunderstorms.
Above average temperatures are on the cards for Monday. Humidity is expected to reach 65 per cent during the day with temperatures easing to an overnight low of 13 degrees.
![Angela Frimberger with her children Ivy and Alex Moore from Port Maquarie stand up paddle boarding on Lake Burley ...](http://web.archive.org./web/20180102033728im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/w/f/0/p/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtwbx5.png/1485066828425.jpg)
Canberrans will notice the heat far more on Tuesday, when peak temperatures are tipped to reach 35 degrees during the day falling only modestly to 23 degrees at night.
The average minimum temperature for January is 13.2 degrees.
![Low intensity heatwave conditions expected for ACT and over much of NSW.](http://web.archive.org./web/20180102033728im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/w/d/l/0/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtwbx5.png/1485066828425.jpg)
Australian Bureau of Meteorology's Zach Porter said three or more consecutive days or above average maximum and minimum temperatures constituted a heatwave. And it was the unabating heat that really affected people.
"It's not just about how hot the days are getting, it's that people aren't getting the relief they need overnight," he said.
"That is what contributes to heat stress. If it staying quite warm overnight people don't have the opportunity to get over the hot day they have just had."
Far from their coastal home in Port Macquarie, Angela Frimberger and her children Ivy and Alex Moore cooled off on stand up paddleboards at Lake Burley Griffin.
![For all the fans of the fan this week.](http://web.archive.org./web/20180102033728im_/https://www.fairfaxstatic.com.au/content/dam/images/g/t/w/d/w/m/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gtwbx5.png/1485068215171.jpg)
"We have played on the lake, did a breezy Segway ride and plan to head to the Ben and Jerry's outdoor cinema," she said.
"We are trying to stay cool. It is pretty hot and you feel the heat more here. We are used to a good breeze where we are from."
Mr Porter said while thunderstorms were predicted, they were not likely to be severe.
"We are not thinking the storm is going to be producing damaging wind gusts or really heavy rainfall at his stage but it is still good to stay tuned to the latest warnings if the situation does end up changing."
The heat will subside in the ACT on Wednesday as the trough sweeps across the region causing cloud to build.
But after Wednesday, which is set to be the coolest day of the week with a top of 29 degrees, hot weather will return.
Australia Day weather will be warmer with a top of 30 degree forecast and humidity reaching 76 per cent.
The next round of heat across the southeast is expected from Friday January 27, but it isn't looking to be quite as hot.
Forecast highs will rise again over the weekend with a top of 33 degree on Friday and 34 on Saturday.
Firefighters were called out to a fire in the territory's far south on Sunday afternoon. The 12 hectare grass fire at Booth, near Tharwa, was quickly brought under control after the Rural Fire Service sent eight tankers and two water-bombing helicopters.
ACT Health has developed a list of tips to beat the heat
- Keep hydrated. Drink more water.
- Limit non-essential strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can make dehydration worse.
- Soak. Take a cool shower or bath to help you cool down.
- Be cool. Stay indoors and make use of fans or air-conditioners.
- Rest. Make sure you get enough sleep, and rest if you feel tired.
- Eat fresh. Try eating cold foods such as salads or fruit.
- Check on others including children, elderly, people with medical conditions and don't forget your pets!
- Seek shade when outside.
- Dress down. Wear light weight clothing and be sun-smart.