VEGETABLE gardens and chickens have fallen victim to the scorching heatwave across South West Queensland.
Temperatures were already reaching 31C in Roma at 8am this morning and were expected to reach a maximum of 41C today.
Cunnamulla recorded temperatures of 37.5C by 9am yesterday with forecasts predicting the town to hit 43C today.
Carmel Meurant , Wandilla Station, Eulo who also runs the Music in the Mulga page lost four of her chooks to the heat while her vegetable garden was also cooked yesterday.
Maranoa Veternary Surgery senior vet Joanne Hanssens said she was preparing for what could be a busy weekend.
“This weekend could be a challenge just with the weather changes and things,” she said.
“I think these humid conditions throw animals out a bit with their aiblity with exercise tolerance.
“Interestingly as the nights cool and some people exercise their dogs they are actually probably the more concerning period for me because although it’s cooler of an evening sometimes the animal will still overdo it.”
She said it was important to provide water in shaded areas for dogs, cats and livestock.
“Obviously water is really important and we need multiple water sources, not just one,” she said.
“Preferably those water sources in the shade as dogs may not want to venture out into the heat to get those water sources.
“Livestock I think is similar to any animal really and just meeting those shelter requirements so...preferably water sources in shaded areas where possible just so they are not having to walk out into the sun to get some hydration.”
For those in Roma looking for a way to cool down this weekend the Echidnas Rugby Club are opening up their “ant’s nest” and having “a cleanse of all of the old stock in the cold room”
People can cool off with a drink while watching the local cricketers from about 2pm running into the evening on Sunday.
“We as a committee have decided that as part of a New Years resolution we are having a cleanse of all of the old stock in the cold room,” the Facebook event said.
“So please bring your family friends and next door neighbour to cleanse the old and bring in the new.”
All drinks and a barbeque lunch will be sold at a cost.