Grey nomads like millions of other Australians in parts of the south-east have been sweltering in extreme heats for the past few days … and it’s not over yet.
The Bureau of Meteorology says that the sizzling temperatures are likely to continue across Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and New South Wales for several more days.
The Guardian newspaper reports that Saturday was the hottest March day on record for Edithburgh on South Australia’s Yorke peninsula (41.7C), and Kanagulk (40.6C) in western Victoria.
The overnight low temperature in Hobart was 24.3C – the warmest night in the Tasmanian capital since 1912, according to the bureau’s records.
Many grey nomads are sweltering through a heatwave. PIC: Pexels
Sarah Scully, a senior meteorologist at the bureau, told the newspaper that hot nights were ‘really unusual’ for Hobart, where the mean minimum overnight temperature for March is 11C. She said maximum temperatures were about 10 to 16 degrees above the March average across the heatwave-affected areas.
She said temperatures should ease when a southerly change hits Melbourne and southern Victoria tomorrow, but the state’s north and parts of South Australia will continue to swelter until Thursday when a ‘blocking’ high-pressure system moves away.
The Guardian reports that Melbourne peaked at 36.9C late on Sunday with Avalon recording 40C and Geelong 39.6C.
The sky-high temperatures caused the cancellation of a number of events over the weekend amidst safety concerns, including Melbourne’s iconic Moomba parade on Saturday.
Grey nomads have a lot of different approaches to keeping their cool in the heat, depending on their rig, where they like to camp, and in which part of the country they are going to be travelling.
Air con, of course, is the best way to guarantee ‘sensible’ temperatures in the van but it can be a huge draw on power resources, particularly for travellers spending extended periods out in the bush.
A more sustainable option for many is to install electric fans, and these can supply instant relief in even the most sweltering of conditions.
With the number of long-term caravanners and motorhomers continuing to rise, manufacturers are focussing increasing attention on developing technology to suit RVers’ specific needs.
Making use of the awning or pulling down the blinds is also an easy way to keep the in-van temperature that bit lower.
Another obvious heat-busting trick is to park up in the shade if and when possible, and it’s always a tad cooler to camp near water.
For grey nomads not using air con, it also makes sense to encourage air flow through the caravan or motorhome by opening the windows, and to cook outside when practical to do so.
Grey Nomad Members now have the opportunity to win an Engel MT-V45F 40-litre portable fridge-freezer. The MT-V Series has the advantage of 12 volt, 24 volt and 240 volt operation built into the unit, as well as automatic AC/DC changeover. This robust appliance, valued at $1,499, has robust corner protectors and handles, larger lockable door latch for ease of access, stronger reinforced basket.
Click here to find out more about GN membership, the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
GN Members are being given the chance to win a Travellers Essential Cocktail Pack, valued at $180, from the Sophisticated Cocktail Co.
The company has shaken and stirred your favourite cocktails and bagged them in eco-friendly 1.5L and 750ml stand-up pouches with a tap. The cocktails are crafted using only the finest ingredients, locally grown fresh-pressed fruit, premium alcohol brands, and locally roasted cold brew coffee.
Click here to find out more about GN membership, the prize, and how to enter.
Members: If you wish to enter, please click here.
