Victoria Set To Sizzle As The Mercury Soars
The Age
Thursday January 10, 2008
HE IS from hardy southern Italian stock and grew up in sizzling Mildura, but winegrower Michael De Palma says he still feels the extreme heat.
With an expected top of 42 degrees expected in the state's far north-west today, he would prefer to adjourn to his house and bask in the air-con all day.But with harvest due later this month, there are vines to tend, posts to fix and weeds to kill on his 40-hectare property at Red Cliffs, 15 kilometres south of Mildura. Like thousands of outdoor workers he will tough it out, armed with an Esky of water, a hat and sunscreen."Most people born here tend to put up with the heat, most of the time," Mr De Palma said. "At 35 degrees, most people are quite comfortable, they can work in that sort of temperature. But when you get your 40-pluses, it doesn't matter who you are, you tend to feel it."The weather bureau is forecasting maximum temperatures in the high 30s or low 40s across most of Victoria today and tomorrow.Melbourne's temperature is expected to peak at 41 by about 4pm today - the fourth 40-plus day this summer and a week after the 41.2 degrees reached on New Year's Day.Senior forecaster Phil King said that tonight the mercury would dip to an uncomfortably warm low of 27 degrees at about 3am. There will be an early maximum tomorrow of about 40 degrees at lunchtime before a cool change drops the temperature to the mid-20s. Australian Medical Association president Doug Travis said people should listen to their bodies to avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration. "If you feel thirsty, drink more water, and if you feel tired or dizzy, rest," Dr Travis said. RSPCA chief veterinarian Chris Thurgood warned pet owners to provide their animals with access to shade, shelter and at least two bowls of water, in case they knock one over. Department of Sustainability and Environment staff and volunteers will monitor fruit bats at Yarra Bend, near Ivanhoe, for heat stress; in the past two summers, hundreds of bats have died on extremely hot days. If they drop from trees they can be fed diluted apple juice by syringe.Paul Bird, communications manager for national energy marketing body NEMMCO, is confident Victoria's electricity supply will meet demand.He said today's forecast demand was 9000 megawatts, with available supply standing at 10,700 megawatts. The latter represented about a 16% reserve, which he said was was healthy; below 5% would be considered a low reserve. Electricity use tomorrow was expected to increase to 9100 megawatts, as houses heated up.The DSE advises the environmentally aware to keep curtains, doors and windows closed in the heat of the day and pull down external blinds; the latter can prevent up to 80% of heat from entering the home. If the air-conditioner is necessary, set it to 26 degrees. The weather bureau says sea breezes will keep temperatures in Gippsland and along the coast in the low to mid-30s today.And if you want to really cool off, head for the hills: Mount Hotham, 350 kilometres north-east of Melbourne, is expecting a top temperature of 23 today. Abby Dobell, an environmental officer with Mount Hotham Skiing Company, says the mild but sunny days and panoramic views make it a beautiful place to work outdoors in summer.She says it's a "lot more tolerable" than many outdoor summer jobs.BEAT THE HEAT Tips to prevent heat stress - Drink plenty of water.- Limit or avoid alcohol.- Stay indoors. If outdoors, seek shade.- Take a cool shower.- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes.- Reduce physical activity.- Check on older or sick people.Source: Department of Human Services.
© 2008 The Age
