The South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) now issue Extreme Heat Watch and Extreme Heat Warnings to advise South Australians of unusually hot and prolonged periods of heat
During March 2008 Adelaide set a record of 15 days where the maximum temperature exceeded 35°C. The previous record was only 7 days. Many other parts of the state also experienced an extended period of extreme heat. Since then there have been 2 other unusually hot and prolonged heat events in January and November 2009.
The criteria for heatwaves in Adelaide is; “5 consecutive days with maximum temperatures of 35°C or more, or 3 days of 40°C or more”. Recent Adelaide Heat Waves
- Between 3 to 17 March 2008 Adelaide experienced 15 consecutive days above 35°C.
- Between 27 January and 1 February 2009 Adelaide experienced a run of 6 consecutive days above 40°C.
- In November 2009 Adelaide experienced 8 consecutive days over 35°C.
Across South Australia a background temperature rise since 1950 of about 1°C to 1.5°C has been observed. Background warming is expected to be even higher in coming years as an ongoing consequence of man made climate change.
This suggests there is a likelihood of more extreme events.
The Bureau of Meteorology works closely with the SES in South Australia to advise them of extended periods of unusually high temperatures. When these conditions are expected the SES issue an Extreme Heat Watch or an Extreme Heat Warning. More information on these can be sourced by contacting the SES directly or by reading the information placed on the website of the State Emergency Service.
The Bureau provides the SES with both the forecast daytime maximum and overnight minimum, which guides the decision on whether an Extreme Heat Watch or Warning is issued. This ensures that the effects of both high daytime temperatures followed by very warm nights are taken into account.
Throughout the event the Bureau of Meteorology continue to advise the SES until such point that the temperature forecasts indicate the event is over.
