Temperatures break records

17th November 2009

WARWICK is expected to reach a record high for the month of November with temperatures predicted to hit 38 degrees on Friday.

Tracey and Selena Madsen keep horse Crystal cool in the heat yesterday. Veterinarian Ross Newman advises people to keep watch on animals with the heatwave expected this week in the Southern Downs and Granite Belt.

Mitchell Craig

WARWICK is expected to reach a record high for the month of November with temperatures predicted to hit 38 degrees on Friday.

The Rose City recorded a maximum of 37.3 degrees on November 29, 2006, with the long-term average at 27.2 degrees, according to Weather Zone.

This means a heatwave is imminent, defined as when the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees for five consecutive days or longer.

“The heatwave which has engulfed southern Australia will spread to Queensland this week thanks to a very hot north-westerly airstream over the south of the state,” The Weather Channel meteorologist Tom Saunders said.

“The heat will be accompanied by low humidity and fresh winds, leading to severe fire dangers for most of the state. Colder air from the south will probably not filter through southern Queensland until early next week.”

Folks in Goondiwindi will be sweating the most, with temperatures expected to top 42 degrees today through to Saturday.

Warwick Hospital director of nursing Megan O’Shannessy has warned those affected by the heat to seek medical assistance as soon as possible, especially infants and the elderly.

“People experiencing such symptoms as vomiting and diarrhoea should seek medical assistance sooner rather than later,” Ms O’Shannessy said.

“Hospital admissions are lower during the initial heat increase with people waiting days until seeking proper treatment.

“Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should stay in the shade and keep their fluids up.”

Warwick and District Mobile Veterinary Services and Supplies veterinarian Ross Newman said it was very easy to forget about responsible animal welfare and safety during these sweltering weather conditions.

“Extremely hot weather affects both the younger and elderly animals the most,” Mr Newman said.

“The most important thing is to have cool, fresh water readily available and keep it in the shade.”

He said this included animals out in the paddock.

“People should remember to keep (paddock animals) in the shade as much as possible and avoid working during the hottest period of the day, 11am to 3pm,” Mr Newman said.

“People need to have rehydration electrolyte water solutions in drinking water available for animals susceptible to illness and dehydration in hot and humid conditions.”

He said animals with pre-existing conditions such as heart or kidney disease were at a higher risk of pre-existing illnesses and of the symptoms reoccurring in the extreme heat and humidity.

On the domestic front Newman said it was very easy to forget but pets should “never be locked up inside the house all day or tied up and left on the back of stationary utes parked in the sun.”

top temps

Maximum temperatures expected this week:

Warwick: 38

Goondiwindi: 42

Stanthorpe: 34

Tenterfield: 35

(Source: weatherzone.com.au)