Forecasters expect this summer will be hotter than the last, when the temperature did not exceed 40 degrees in Bendigo. 

Some, like Russell King of Allweld Constructions, will have it tougher than others. 

“We’ve got to start early in the morning and finish early afternoon,” he said. 

“You have to wear a lot of clothing when you’re welding and the welders kick out a fair bit of heat. So we try to do as little welding as we can on the really hot days.”

Bendigo Ice owner Glenn McMahon should be a little more comfortable at the other end of the heat spectrum. 

While he doesn’t spend too much time in the cool room in his Strickland Road factory, it can provide a break from the heat. 

“We supply party ice or block ice for use in Eskys, people going away camping, things like that,” he said. 

“The warm weather helps, it keeps you busy especially if it’s on a Saturday or Sunday. You do keep cool in the back of the van and it can be hard going outside into the heat.” 

The City of Greater Bendigo is urging people to take care during the heat and keep in touch with sick or frail friends, neighbours and relatives. 

Staff have warned people against leaving children, adults and animals in cars and encouraged people to drink plenty of water. The Elders weather website shows the hottest November day of the past 20 years was 40.3 recorded on November 26, 1997.