Adelaide weather: South Aussies to swelter as heatwave sweeps across state to finish the working week

A heatwave set to sweep over SA will peak toward the end of the week as South Aussies will look forward to a cool change coming shortly after.

SA heatwave map. Picture: BOM

A short “severe” heatwave will have South Aussies sweltering through the rest of the working week and seeking cool comfort where they can.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a low-intensity heatwave will peak over Thursday and Friday with a top in the high 30s.

BOM have also said the heatwave will be “severe” in the state’s west, and temperatures across the board will be 10 to 15 degrees above normal.

The bureau has also warned it will look to be a “warmer than average summer” compared to last season.

SA residents should drink plenty of water to cool off during the warmer weather. Picture: David Kelly

In a joint-services press conference on Wednesday afternoon, BOM meteorologist, Chris Kent advised South Australians to “stay alert” with the current warnings and weather forecasts.

South Australian State Emergency Service chief officer Chris Beattie advised people to take care of their health during the higher temperature periods.

“Heatwaves cause more deaths than all other natural disasters combined,” Mr Beattie said.

“Heatwaves are known as the silent killer as our bodies often struggle to cool down in prolonged, extreme heat.

“We need to pay particular attention to those in our communities with existing health conditions, the elderly and the very young as they are among the most ‘at risk’ cohorts.”

SA residents are being advised to drink plenty of water and be wary of signs of heat stroke, with an SA Health representative saying the warmer weather poses a “significant threat to health.”