Heatwave Hits Adelaide
The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) is urging people to prepare for the forecast heatwave conditions across the state over the coming days.
Temperatures are forecast to remain in the 30C and 40C range for the next several days in the Adelaide metropolitan area, with minimum temperatures forecast to stay above 20C.
A severe heatwave warning for the Adelaide metropolitan area has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology.
With multiple events occurring throughout the state, the SES encourages members of the public to consider and plan how they and their loved ones will keep cool and stay hydrated while enjoying the festivities this long weekend.
The SES advises the following:
- Keep children and pets safe by never leaving them alone in a parked car—even if it’s just for a short time or with air conditioning on/windows open.
- Stay safe by not parking cars or setting up camp under trees, and seeking shade away from large trees and over hanging branches.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Make sure small children, older people and people with certain health conditions are also drinking enough water.
- Use air conditioners and fans. If you don’t have either of these, spend the day somewhere that does, such as a shopping centre or a public library.
- Have plenty of bowls of water, cool spots and shade for your pets.
Quotes attributable to SES Chief of Staff, Derren Halleday:
“Heatwaves cause more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard.”
“Taking a few sensible precautions during heatwaves can greatly minimise the risk to ourselves, our family and friends and also our pets.”
“Hot weather such as this can lead to trees feeling heat-stress, which can result in trees falling or dropping large branches. It is important that people are aware of this and take the necessary precautions, including finding alternative shade options away from large trees and overhanging branches.”
“We know March is a very busy time with lots of fantastic events on over the next week. We really encourage members of the public attending these events to have a great time and ensure they keep cool and stay hydrated, so they can make the most of it.”
“Staying hydrated by drinking enough water is very important, and we need to ensure our children, older relatives, or family and friends with certain health conditions are drinking enough water to keep them safe.”
“One of the key elements of a heatwave is that our bodies don’t have the opportunity to cool down at night. Prepare a cool room in your house using air conditioning, fans, curtains and blinds, and sleep in the coolest part of the house—this may not be your bedroom.”
Quotes attributable to Senior Meteorologist, Jonathan Fischer:
“Starting Friday, we are going to have a lengthy period of northerly winds across South Australia, directed from a high pressure system in the Tasman Sea. This will reinforce a hot to very hot air mass over the State.”
“A severe heatwave is the second of three tiers of heatwave and are less frequent than the low-intensity heatwaves that we see regularly in summer. And we know a severe heatwave is likely to be more challenging for vulnerable people.”
“The last time we had a severe heatwave for Adealide and the south of the state was February last year, so a bit over a year since we’ve had prolonged heat of this magnitude.”
Quotes attributable to Chief Public Health Officer, Professor Nicola Spurrier:
“The heat affects everyone but certain groups such as babies and young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have chronic health conditions are more at risk than others and it’s important to check on your loved ones and neighbours during hot weather, particularly if they live alone.”
“Prepare by checking fans and air-conditioners are working properly and learning about the signs of heat-related illness. If you don’t have an air conditioner, you can keep cool with a wet towel applied to the skin and by using fans.”
“Drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol and caffeine. If you can’t keep your home cool, make plans to go to and stay in a cool place such as the local shopping centre or library early in the day.”