Workers like cats on hot tin roofs
Soaring temperatures experienced in Taranaki this week will continue through until the end of the month forecasters say.
The mercury is predicted to remain in the high 20s through until Wednesday and the region with be bathed in clear blue skies.
Most people have returned to work after the Christmas break and while many enjoy the comfort of of an airconditioned office spare a thought for those working outdoors in the heat.
So far the scorching summer weather has had people flocking to Taranaki beaches with one veteran lifeguard commenting he had never seen so many people.
The SPCA has also encouraged pet owners to think about the comfort of their animals during the heat wave.
MetService meteorologist April Clark said temperatures would remain in the high 20s around the region through until next Wednesday.
Clark said the clear skies and warm temperatures would make it ideal beach weather.
‘‘What you’ve been having is what you’re going to get.
‘‘Especially near the coast because you get a bit of a breeze during the day from the sea.’’
Clark said the country was experiencing an unusually warm January.
Pete Cribb, owner of King Country Roofing, said being exposed to the elements was just part of a roofers job.
‘‘To be honest it’s nothing new to us,’’ Cribb said.
‘‘It’s not a big deal to us to be honest you have just got to keep drinking more water.’’
Roofers had to make sure they used sunscreen on all exposed skin and wore hats but sometimes they still felt like a cat on a hot tin roof, he said.
‘‘When you are walking around on hot iron for a long time it does actually roast your feet inside your shoes.’’
Cribb said the key to beating the heat was starting early, finishing early and heading off for a swim.
Dilip Patel, Jennian Homes Taranaki general manager, said his building staff were coping with the heat.
‘‘The tough part is around conforming to health and safety, you have still got to be wearing the boots and protective gear as well,’’ Patel said.
Builders were supplied with sunscreen and water.
Pest exterminator Jeff Wills, Bio-Tech Pest Control, said he was sweltering inside his protective clothing.
‘‘It gets close to forty degrees inside my suit,’’ Wills said. ‘‘It’s also the hot air that I breath through my mask.’’
He was drinking about five litres of water a day to remain hydrated and was looking at buying a colling vest. ‘‘I’m just sussing out what one is the best because the heat just kills me.’’
North Taranaki SPCA spokeswoman Jackie Poles Smith encouraged people to think about their pets. ‘‘Check the temperature of the surface they are walking on. If you couldn’t walk on it in your bare feet don’t expect your dog to.’’
Poles Smith said pet owners could freeze icecream containers of water for their pets and look to include some treats.
‘‘It helps keep them cool and entertained.’’