TEMPERATURES in the mid to high 40s are forecast across the Limestone Coast tomorrow with residents urged to prepare for peak summer heatwave conditions.
The State Emergency Service is encouraging all South Australians to think about how they will plan for and manage during the expected hot weather.
The mercury is expected to hit 30 degrees today in the Blue Lake city before spiking to 42 tomorrow.
Looking north, there is no respite for inland communities across the Limestone Coast with Naracoorte hitting 37 degrees yesterday, predicted to reach 36 today and forecast to climb to 42 tomorrow.
SES chief officer Chris Beattie said now was the time to check on elderly relatives, neighbours and friends, to ensure they were well prepared to cope with the heat.
“If you have the opportunity, visit or call your relatives, neighbours and friends and make sure they are drinking plenty of water, not going out during the hottest parts of the day and staying cool ” Mr Beattie said.
Mr Beattie said all South Australians should expect to experience heatwaves over summer.
“We need to be mindful that heatwaves can have a detrimental impact on people’s health and wellbeing,” Mr Beattie said.
“Heat-related illness can affect anyone, even the very fit and can result in severe health issues including heat exhaustion and heatstroke – it can be fatal.
“Older people, those with a pre-existing medical condition and young children and babies are most at risk.
“Reports from interstate indicate children are being left in cars.”
“Under no circumstances, should children or pets be left in a parked car, even with the windows open and the air conditioner running.”
Mr Beattie said there were plenty of simple ways people can protect their health.
“Coping with the heat largely depends on using common sense and being prepared,” he said.
