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Early heat wave continues

Posted on November 10, 2009, 7:07am and updated on November 10, 2009 at 9:53 am

Summer has come early for the Blue Lake City, with forecasts predicting the mercury will continue to soar until at least the weekend.

While the city has escaped the stifling heat wave recorded in Adelaide, the maximum November temperature for Mount Gambier so far has been 3.7 degrees above the long-term average.

The average daily maximum temperature this month has been 24 degrees, compared with the long-term average of 20.3 degrees.

With the temperature climbing above 34 degrees yesterday, residents should dust off their fans tomorrow as the mercury is tipped to hit 32 degrees and 33 degrees on Thursday.

According to the Mount Gambier weather bureau yesterday, Thursday’s maximum is expected to peak at 29 degrees before the mercury climbs again on Friday.

“The warmer weather has certainly come early for Mount Gambier,” a spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the Department for Environment and Heritage has urged residents to take care of their animals, as well as themselves.

The department’s animal welfare unit manager Dr Deb Kelly said pets such as dogs, cats, fish and birds, as well as native wildlife, were just at risk as humans when the temperatures rise.

“Many of the same strategies used by people during the hot weather can be applied to animals as well,” Dr Kelly said.

“Staying out of the sun and drinking plenty of water is just as important for pets.”

She also issued a warning about snakes being active at night time.

“Be careful of snakes and lizards as the warm nights will mean they are active even after the sun goes down,” Dr Kelly said.

She also warned against taking dogs for walks on hot pavements and to keep pets out of hot cars.

“Most importantly, watch out for pools. Dogs and native animals may seek out the cool water but they are also at risk of drowning,” Dr Kelly said.

“Ensure cats and dogs have access to the tiled areas of the house such as the bathroom and kitchen, and if you have birds, make sure they are in shade, don’t disturb them during the day and spray them with a fine water mist.

“Put a beach umbrella over the fishpond to help protect it from the sun — and make sure that rabbit or guinea pig hutches are in a shady place all day.”

She also called on residents to be aware of native animals and birds on roads.

“The heat will also make animals such as birds more lethargic, so they may not be able to fly off the road as quickly as they normally would,” Dr Kelly said.

She said it was common for koalas to come down from trees during periods of hot weather to find a cool spot to sit or in search of water.

“Koalas obtain the majority of their water needs from gum leaves, but in hot weather they supplement their needs from ground water including ponds and dams,” she said.

“If you come across a koala, the best thing to do is leave it alone as it will usually move on.

“Most importantly, do not try to pick it up or rescue it, as chances are that it doesn’t need rescuing. Koalas will defend themselves when cornered, and will scratch and bite to protect themselves.”

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