If you’ve been feeling the heat lately, you are not imagining things.
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The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting some of the hottest average maximum temperatures for November in the state’s history.
BOM senior forecaster Tim Bolden said it is looking very likely that Tasmania would experience a record breaking month.
“At this stage we are forecasting a statewide mean maximum temperature of 24 degrees,” he said.
“This has just never happened before.
“Certainly parts of Tasmania will see a record-breaking temperatures for November.
“Which is even more remarkable considering there was snowfall in parts at the beginning of the month.”
At Tasmania Zoo, staff were taking extra care to ensure their furry and feathered friends didn’t get too hot.
From frozen eggs to blood icy poles, zookeeper Elisha Palfreyman said when it comes to the heat animals are very similar to humans.
“Just like us, it depends on the animal’s personality how the like to deal with hot weather,” she said.
“Some like to swim and other prefer to just sleep it off.
“Our priority is always just making sure they are as comfortable as possible, with sprinklers and plenty of fresh water.
“We find the devils, wombats and some of the birds find it the toughest, but usually they all find their own way to cope.”
This week in Launceston, the maximum temperature leading into the weekend is expected to reach 28 degrees with no signs of cooling down.
This time last year November 21 proved to be the month’s hottest day with a maximum of 26.4 degrees – only 2.4 degrees higher than the monthly average predicted for this year.
Mr Bolden said the heat was being caused by a high pressure system over the Tasman Sea.
“Usually these things move along but is has been stationary for some time now,” he said.
“It is sending air from off the Queensland coast and it looks like it will keep up for some time.”
Currently the hottest November day ever recorded in Launceston was 31 degrees, on November 1, 1987.
Tasmania’s Director of Public Health, Dr Mark Veitch, has encouraged people to get prepared with a plan to beat the heat, with the elderly most likely to be affected.
“It’s important to plan how to deal with the hot days we can expect this week and particularly during summer,” he said.
“We should all look out for one-another – keep in touch with elderly or ill relatives, friends and neighbours on hot days.
“Know about heat illness and know what to do if someone is suffering in the heat.”