Shepparton swelters in trio of 40°C-plus days

(Today’s Shepparton News warns that the Goulburn Valley is set to swelter through three consecutive days of 40°C-plus temperatures.)

Shepparton could endure its hottest December day in recent records as the city prepares to swelter this weekend.

A heatwave is set to hit the area, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40°C for three successive days starting today.

A maximum of 42°C has been predicted for tomorrow, with a total fire ban and a heat health alert in place for the day across Victoria.

Since the Bureau of Meteorology started taking records from the Shepparton station in 1996, the highest December temperature stands at 42.8°C, reached on December 31, 2005.

The bureau’s Victoria duty forecaster Richard Russell said extended periods of extreme heat had been recorded in the region on occasions during December, but were rare.

‘‘These type of heatwaves are more commonly associated with January and February,’’ he said.

With the mercury on the rise, local residents are being urged to regularly check on their elderly relatives in the coming days.

Ambulance Victoria Western Hume group manager John Morris said prolonged periods of consistently hot weather often left the elderly vulnerable.

‘‘We’re concerned about people over the age of 65, especially those that have pre-existing medical conditions,’’ he said.

‘‘We urge people to make sure their relatives are okay, that they know how to work their air conditioner, maintain their fluid intake, and reduce their normal physical activity.’’

Greater Shepparton City Council has also issued caution ahead of the extended period of hot weather.

The council’s community director Kaye Thomson said it was imperative residents kept an eye out for the elderly and those living without air conditioning.

‘‘Many vulnerable people do not have friends or relatives living nearby, so if you have an elderly neighbour or live near someone you know is unwell, make sure to keep an eye on them during hot weather,’’ she said.

‘‘We also encourage people or businesses where staff are required to work outdoors in the heat to look to alternative work activities to ensure good health of their staff.

‘‘This could include starting and finishing work earlier, or working indoors if possible.’’

Council also encouraged residents to take heed of some essentials for coping with warmer weather — keeping out of the heat, drinking enough water, naturally cooling your home by closing windows and blinds during the day, talking to your health service if you have health issues and checking on people who may struggle in the heat.