Heat wave hits South Australia earlier than usual

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Thursday, 19 December 2002

MEDIA RELEASE - SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL OFFICE

Many towns in country South Australia yesterday experienced a record number of days for December when the maximum temperature was above 40 degrees Celsius. The hot weather that has arrived about a month earlier than normal has been caused by a slow-moving trough of low pressure producing an east to north-easterly air stream over the state. And there is little respite on the horizon, with forecasters expecting similar conditions over the weekend and the likelihood of more records falling.

Renmark yesterday set a December record with a four-day run of maximum temperatures above 40 degrees - 40.9, 43.5, 41.7 and 41 degrees. Whyalla also set a record for December with maximum temperatures of 41.9, 40.1, 40.0 and 31 degrees.

In Leigh Creek, a run of four days of December temperatures over 40 degrees was last observed 22 years ago. Maximum temperatures were 40, 42.3, 42.7 and 43 degrees. In Kyancutta, a run of four days of temperatures over 40 degrees was last observed eight years ago. Maximum temperatures on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday were 43.6, 42.0, 44.7 and 41 degrees.

In Snowtown, a run of three days of temperatures over 40 degrees was last observed 45 years ago. Maximum temperatures on Saturday, Sunday and Monday were 41, 42 and 43 degrees. Yesterday afternoon the maximum was 32 degrees.

In Port Augusta, a run of three days of temperatures over 40 degrees was last observed five years ago. Maximum temperatures were 42.6, 44.5, 45.3 and 33 degrees. In Loxton, a run of three days of temperatures over 40 degrees was last observed four years ago. It has experienced maximum temperatures of 40, 42, 41 and 39 degrees.

Ends

Further information:
Bruce Brooks, tel: (08) 8366 2600, e-mail: b.brooks@bom.gov.au

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