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THE temperature failed to reach its predicted 43 degrees on the Border yesterday, with the mercury peaking at a still-sizzling 41.8 just after 4pm.
But that was small relief, with the Bureau of Meteorology last night revising upwards it forecast for today from 43 degrees to 44.
And bureau duty forecaster James Taylor had even more bad news. He said the Border would be one of the last places in the state to enjoy any relief.
“Heat lingers in the far north of the state, particularly in the North East,” he said.
“It looks like temperatures won’t drop below 40 degrees until Sunday.”
The heatwave has forced the Albury Council to shut the children’s area of the city’s botanic gardens.
It said the south-west section of the gardens had to close immediately over fears the extreme heat would force bats down from their roosts to ground level.
The Office of Environment and Heritage recommended the area be sealed off to ensure the bats didn’t come into contact with people.
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But while children were excluded from the park, a West Wodonga family has the perfect way to beat the heat.
Brady Vauhkonen, 8, Alicia Turner, 5, and mum Leanne Baker headed to their regular spot on the Kiewa River, near Riverside Estate.
“We have been here all day and we may come back all week in this weather,” Ms Baker said.
“It’s a great because it’s shady and quiet.”
This week’s baking temperature has seen a spike in electricity demand, especially during the hours from 2 to 6pm.
Energy provider SP AusNet operates a peak demand program to help manage the pressure.
The company offers financial incentives to large businesses to reduce electricity consumption on peak-demand days.
Essential Energy said its NSW power network had been designed and built to meet peak energy demands.
“While hot weather increases energy use, our experience is that demand is generally in line with forecasts and expectations for this time of year,” regional manager Steven Ilitch said.