Summer’s scorcher goes on
As the season sizzles on, some workers knock off early for a swim.
Weather records continue to be smashed as New Zealand’s golden summer rolls on, and Kiwis are bracing for the mercury to keep rising.
Wanaka yesterday sweated in 35.2C heat, its hottest day ever, smashing the previous record of 34.5C in February 2005.
And a new January record was set in Whangaparaoa, north of Auckland, yesterday — 28.7C, the highest since records began in 1909.
And today those living in Central Otago have been told to brace for possible temperatures of 40C and higher.
New Zealand’s hottest recorded temperature of 42.4C occurred in Rangiora, north of Christchurch, in
February 1973.
Some of those working for earthmoving company Maungatua Contracting suffered heatstroke after toiling in the unrelenting Central Otago heat.
And this week, it will be another stinking hot day at work for project manager Kane Duncan’s team — but he isn’t expecting a repeat of heatstroke that hit some workers in December.
Duncan said they provided water, sun protection and set up a marquee for some tasks. Workers also stayed off high intensity jobs in the hottest hours.
And there was one benefit to starting at dawn to avoid the heat — “Quite a few guys knock off early and go for a swim.”
January is set to be the warmest month in New Zealand since records began.
MetService meteorologist April Clark said areas such as Central Otago, would be hottest tomorrow; on Tuesday the worst of the heat could move further north, to areas such as inland Canterbury.
After toppling its record yesterday, Wanaka is forecast to reach 34C tomorrow and 33C the day after.
Fellow Central Otago heat trap Alexandra will be even hotter, with a pair of 35C highs forecast tomorrow and Tuesday.
Clark said with Alexandra due to reach 35C, inland areas could hit 40C.
“I wouldn’t say for sure, but there’s a chance.”
Breen Construction health and safety manager Chris Lambeth said workers used shadecloth, widebrimmed hats and crystal-filled cooling scarves and vests.
At Nichol’s garden centre in Cromwell, 30km northwest of Alexandra, assistant manager Bev Campbell rotates staff to ensure none are too long outdoors. Hats, sunblock and iceblocks also eased the pain.
This week, a woman in her 60s with multiple sclerosis died in Christchurch from hyperthermia — when the body becomes dangerously overheated.
The death prompted a warning from the Chief Coroner to others who have conditions that mean their bodies struggle to regulate temperature.
Niwa staff said Waiau in the South Island reached 37C on Thursday and highs were likely to rise to the upper 30s and nudge 40C in eastern districts on Tuesday.
Although northern parts of the country will not be as hot, high humidity in Auckland will cause discomfort. The temperature is forecast to be 29C today and Monday for anniversary weekend. Whangarei will be 26C both days and Tauranga 27C. Hamilton will hit 29C today and 30C tomorrow.