Adelaide is enduring another extremely hot day in the city, with temperatures climbing close to 40 degrees today before a significant cool change moves across the state over the weekend, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
For the rest of Thursday, conditions will remain hot and dry with a maximum of 39 degrees under clear, sunny skies. Winds are forecast to be east to southeasterly at 20 to 30 km/h through the morning, tending northwest to southwesterly at 15 to 25 km/h in the middle of the day before shifting back to easterly in the evening. The chance of any rain in the Adelaide area is low at around 5 per cent, with no meaningful precipitation expected.
Extreme UV levels continue to be a major feature of this heatwave period, with sun protection recommended from 9:00 am until 5:40 pm and the UV Index predicted to reach 12, classified as Extreme. Fire danger is rated High for the Mount Lofty Ranges and Moderate across metropolitan Adelaide, so residents are urged to remain alert to changing conditions and follow any CFS advice.
On Friday, the heat lingers but eases slightly, with an overnight low of 23 degrees and a top of 35 degrees. Skies are expected to be mostly sunny, and fresh north to northeasterly winds will shift southwesterly in the afternoon at 25 to 35 km/h as the cold front approaches. The chance of rain remains minimal at about 5 per cent.
Saturday will bring a dramatic turnaround. After the passage of the front and a ridge of high pressure extending across the south, Adelaide will feel much cooler with cloudy conditions and a maximum of just 23 degrees following an overnight low of 15 degrees. Isolated light showers are possible near southern coasts, but cumulative rainfall totals are expected to be less than 2 mm. Fresh and gusty southwest to southeasterly winds are forecast statewide, with possible areas of raised dust in pastoral districts.
Sunday sees improving but still mild weather, with clouds clearing and temperatures reaching 26 degrees after a low of 13 degrees. Dry conditions dominate most districts as the high pressure ridge becomes established over waters south of the Bight.
Early next week settles into more typical January conditions. Monday is forecast to be sunny with a maximum of 28 degrees, while Tuesday reaches 27 degrees under partly cloudy skies. Wednesday rounds out the period with another day of cloud clearing and a top of 27 degrees.
The broader weather situation shows a low pressure trough across western and southern parts of South Australia remaining relatively stationary through Thursday, then moving eastwards on Friday as a fresh cold front crosses southern districts. A ridge of high pressure follows, allowing cooler air to settle over the south from Saturday onwards.
Severe heatwave warnings remain active for many parts of the state, and a Fire Weather Warning has been issued for the Mid North district, where Extreme Fire Danger is forecast for Friday. Marine Wind Warnings are also in place for several coastal zones including Spencer Gulf, Investigator Strait and the South Central Coast.
With the intense heat expected to persist through Friday, the key message for Adelaide residents is to take sensible precautions, keep hydrated, avoid outdoor activity in the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable friends and family.
Happy Thursday, stay cool!
ADELAIDE 7-DAY WEATHER FORECAST:
- Thursday: Max 39°C – Sunny.
- Friday: Max 35°C – Mostly sunny.
- Saturday: Max 23°C – Cloudy.
- Sunday: Max 26°C – Cloud clearing.
- Monday: Max 28°C – Sunny.
- Tuesday: Max 27°C – Partly cloudy.
- Wednesday: Max 27°C – Cloud clearing.
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