It is set to get even hotter for the Douglas Shire in the coming days with severe heatwave conditions set to kick in from tomorrow.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast temperatures to rise to 40C in parts of the shire with conditions to remain in the high 30s into next week.

Low-intensity heatwave conditions are expected to start today before increasing to severe intensity tomorrow.

Temperature Forecast:

The Douglas Local Disaster Management Group would like to remind people to keep themselves cool and drink plenty of water.

Babies and young children are more susceptible to heat-related illness than adults because their bodies cannot easily adapt to changing temperatures. The younger the child, the quicker they will start to show signs of dehydration or heat stress. Sick children need special attention in hot weather, even for minor illnesses such as a cold or hay fever.

Animals can also be affected by heat-related illness. If you’re in charge of an animal, you have a duty of care to provide it with food, water, and appropriate shelter.