It’s been a hot start to 2017, with some parts of the country reporting record-breaking high temperatures, but if you’re a local, then there are some parts of an Aussie summer that are common each year. From hot steering wheels to frying eggs on the hot pavement, here are 11 things you’ll only understand once you’ve experienced a hot Australian summer. 

Read more: 10 adorable animals who know how to keep cool during an Australian summer

1. You’ll get creative about how to keep your pets cool:

This is the life! 🌴☀️💦where else would a puppydog like me rather be? #swimmingpool #swimmingdog #swimming #pinkflamingo #justchillin #floatingaround #igwoofs #dogslife #dog #dogs #dogsrule #dogdaysofsummer #dogsofinstaworld #aussiedog #aussiedachshunds #aussiesummer #sausagedog #sausage #dachshund #dachshundsofinstagram #dachshundpuppy #dachshund_feature #dachshundoftheday #sausagedogcentral #mydogiscutest #sendadogphoto #dogstomy #doxiesdownunder #dachshundmadness #dachshundnetwork

A photo posted by The Adventures Of Aubrey (@aubrey.the.gourmet.sausage) on Jan 31, 2017 at 1:23am PST

2. And your drinks:

Childfree weekend😎 #aussiesummer #poolparty #bliss #mumstimeout

A photo posted by ang_jane82 (@angeladibley) on Jan 29, 2017 at 2:07am PST

3. You’ll literally feel like you’ve entered the depths of hell:

Australian summer ….Hot hot hot ☀️ #hot #hotweathether #australia #summerinaustralia #heatwave #aussiesummer #scorching #holyhotness

A photo posted by Jojo (@jojomeow7) on Jan 31, 2017 at 4:27am PST

4. You’ll constantly regret your decision to leave the house:

Today you could say was #hot enough to cook an #egg outside. #emilyscookingshow #cookaneggoutside #straya #australia #aussiesummer #sun

A video posted by @emmartin___ on Jan 29, 2017 at 8:01pm PST

5. And eat mangos for breakfast, lunch and dinner:

You just can’t beat a fresh Kensington Pride! We’re making the most of it before the season is over! 😋 .. FOLLOW us and visit the Mr KP website (link in bio) for more great mango recipes and ideas! .. #mrkpmangoes are available at selected major retailers across Australia – DM us for details. .. 📸: @sydneyfoodcrew

A photo posted by Mr KP Mangoes (@mrkpmangoes) on Jan 29, 2017 at 7:12pm PST

6. You’ll curse the weather gods for not letting you sleep:

#summer2017 #aussiesummer #heatwave #summernights #thirtyplusdegrees #cantsleep #hot

A photo posted by sh3llee (@sh3llee) on Jan 30, 2017 at 5:26am PST

7. And wonder how you’re ever going to survive the car trip when it’s 47 degrees:

Summer 😫definitely a Mountains girl too hot on the flats #yourekidding #toohot #summer #aussiesummer #needsnow #airconditioning #sizzling #mountaingirl #mountainman #roasting #sydney #australia

A photo posted by Josie Rosie (@josie_rosie_8) on Jan 29, 2017 at 11:52pm PST

8. Even your electronics will have had enough:

#Gatestohellareopen #straya #aussiesummer #sunburntcountry #lucifersland #hot #fuck #boiling #42degrees

A photo posted by Ambrish Pathak (@am8r1sh) on Jan 29, 2017 at 10:19pm PST

9. And there’ll be no room in your freezer for actual food, just icy poles and ice-cream:

‪You can tell it’s Summer.‬ ‪My freezer is filled with ice cream and zooper doopers 😜#aussiesummer ‬

A photo posted by David Chilcott (@onepotchefshow) on Jan 29, 2017 at 5:18pm PST

10. Even the local wildlife will need a hand during the heat:

Don’t forget our fur pals on this scorching summer day!! Leave water out for wildlife and keep pets cool! #thehivechildrensboutique #thehive #aussiesummer #hot #feelinghothothot #lovelocalmacarthur

A photo posted by The Hive (@thehivechildrensboutique) on Jan 29, 2017 at 3:31pm PST

11. You’ll wonder how you ever managed to drive through the summer heat:

Yea pretty much #summer #aussiesummer

A photo posted by Ash (@aj_fitton) on Jan 28, 2017 at 4:35pm PST

How do you keep cool during a hot Australian summer? Let us know in the comments section below.