Thursday 13 March 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

Hot March continues for South Australia

Temperature records continue to be set across South Australia as the March heatwave grinds on.

Adelaide today became the capital city with the longest running heatwave as it recorded 11 consecutive days with maximum temperature above 35C, after reaching a stifling 39.6C. Forecasters are confident that this may be extended to 16 days, with a cool change not expected in the city until after another hot day next Tuesday.

The previous record for all capital cities for days greater than 35C is 10 days for Perth set in February 1988. For Adelaide it's previous greatest number of days over 35C was 8 [on numerous occasions] most recently back in February 2004.

Ceduna also broke its all-year heat wave record today with its maximum of 42C being its 12'th consecutive day over 35C. Its previous record was set in January/February 1975 with 11 consecutive days over 35C. Ceduna has also recorded 7 days in excess of 40C [not consecutive] and this is also a record for March. This compares to its all-year record of 9 days in excess of 40C.

Other SA locations to have broken heatwave records in recent days, with consecutive days above 35C, are Mt Barker with 6 days, Elliston with 10 days and Nullarbor with 9 days.

Maximum temperatures state-wide, for March so far, have been significantly above average. Northern parts have experienced temperatures 2 to 6C above average, while further south maximum temperatures have been between 6 to 12C higher than average.

These March records come on top of 2007 being the hottest year on record for South Australia since state-wide records began in 1910.

For Media Assistance contact: Darren Ray 08 8366 2664, Paul Lainio 08 8366 2640

Ends