BALLARAT – Excitement is in the air as Ballarat residents dust off their board shorts and thongs after the city’s temperature skyrocketed to a sweltering 12 degrees Celsius, marking the official start of the Ballarat summer.
“It’s basically a heatwave,” said lifelong Ballarat resident Daryl McInnes, already shirtless and applying SPF 15 to his pasty arms. “Haven’t seen temperatures like this since that freak warm snap in ’03 when it hit 15. I had to turn the aircon on that day.”
Cafés along Sturt Street have already begun capitalizing on the tropical conditions, with several proudly advertising “Cold Drinks Available.” At the same time, a few brave souls were spotted enjoying an ice cream, though most quickly retreated indoors after a stiff breeze reminded them who was in charge.
Local meteorologists have warned residents to remain hydrated, as prolonged exposure to 12-degree temperatures could lead to excessive optimism about the weather. “We urge Ballarat locals to pace themselves,” said weather expert Sandra Cleary. “We’ve got a 14-degree day next week.”
Meanwhile, Ballarat’s City Council has announced plans to open Lake Wendouree to recreational swimming for the first time since anyone can remember.
Tourism officials are also optimistic about the effects of the unseasonable warmth, expecting a surge in visitors who mistook the temperature reading for Melbourne’s. “It’s exciting to see Ballarat finally getting the summer it deserves.”
