Adelaide/SA weather: Parts of far north beat temperature records

Parts of northern South Australia have experienced record-breaking heat close to 50C as health authorities advise caution ahead of more scorching temperatures.

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Parts of northern South Australia have experienced record-breaking heat close to 50C as health authorities advise caution ahead of more scorching temperatures.

Port Augusta reached a sizzling 48.9C at 2.31pm Tuesday, breaking its previous record high of 48.1C set on February 7, 2009.

The Transcontinental's temperature gauge in Port Augusta. Picture: Abbie Tyler Ellis

A thermometer in Glendambo at 1.44pm. Picture: Carla Maree Partidge

In Tarcoola, the mercury hit 49C at 3.20pm, nudging out its previous record of 48.9C set on two occasions in 1949 and 2014. The temperature in Tarcoola is now tied for the 10th highest ever recorded in South Australia, along with Marla in January 1988 and Marree in December 1972.

A new record of 44.5C was also reached in Ernabella, slightly above the previous record of 43.8C set in January 2013.

The Bureau of Meteorology says more records could tumble once Tuesday’s results from manual stations around the state become available today.

The state’s two highest ever temperatures of 50.7C and 50.3C were set at Oodnadatta on January 2 and January 3, 1960. The town’s top temperature on Tuesday was 47.6C.

Total fire bans have been declared for West Coast, eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, Mid North, Yorke Peninsula and Mt Lofty Ranges, with severe fire danger ratings forecast. Bureau of Meteorology regional director John Nairn said maximum temperatures over the next two days would be 10C to 12C above average.

Adelaide should prepare for a very hot night heading into tomorrow morning, with overnight temperatures around 30C following a predicted maximum of 40C today.

A dust devil seen by Adam McHugh just outside of Kingoonya, South Australia.

“The minimum temperatures are high as well, which means we get to high temperatures earlier in the day,” Mr Nairn said.

“The relief is coming later Thursday, we do see a change coming in and some rain developing on Friday. But it takes a while for the environment to lose that heat after building it up.” He said the heatwave originated from intense weather in tropical Queensland in November, which recirculated warmth around Australia and had not dissipated.

“It’s basically a very large ball of air that’s been building,” he said.

A koala gets some much-needed water at Banksia Park. Picture: Therese Kosters

SA Health chief medical officer Professor Paddy Phillips said prolonged heat conditions could cause health problems, especially for elderly people and young children.

“What we know is that heat is the worst of our natural emergencies where (there are) excess hospital presentations, ambulance transfers and even people potentially dying, and we want to prevent that,” he said.

“It’s not just heat-related illness. What we do see is exacerbations of other chronic illnesses – kidney, heart disease – so it’s particularly important for those who have those illnesses to take the necessary precautions.”

Port Augusta residents keeping their cool during record temperatures in the town today . Kallon, 13, Jaxson, 11 , Jack, 4, Addison, 9 and Isy, 3. Picture: Jenai Photography

Port Augusta resident Venessa Blinman said her children spent the day playing video games under the airconditioning before taking a dip in their backyard pool.

In Adelaide, West Tce reached 41.7C as cricket fans sweated through the one-day international between Australia and India at Adelaide Oval.

Up to 750 South Australians have already registered for free phone service Telecross REDi that provides regular welfare checks, while homeless services have extended daytime opening hours.

Human Services Minister Michelle Lensink urged people to drink a lot of water, stay out of the heat and look out for each other.

The public was reminded that young children and pets should never be left in cars, even with the airconditioner on.

Ms Lensink urged those worried for their safety or the safety of others to register for the Telecross REDi phone service — implemented after the deaths of 435 people in Australia’s 2009 southern heatwave.

“Prevention is key, drinking a lot of water is really important and staying out of the heat,” she said.

“We all need to look out for each other.”

Homelessness services The Hutt St Centre, Trace-A-Place, Street to Home, Westcare (Baptist Care SA) have extended daytime open hours.

The SA Homelessness Gateway Service will continue to run 24/7.

Anyone sleeping rough should contact SA Homelessness Gateway on 1800 003 308. To register for Telecross REDi call 1800 188 071.

In coming days the temperature could peak as high as 47C in parts of the state with relief expected by the weekend, when the temperature will drop to the 20s.

Consistent hot weather has prompted SA Health to warn people over handling heat-stressed bats and pups.

SA Health public health services acting director Dr Fay Jenkins said bats must only be handled by vaccinated handlers.

“Bats can carry a range of serious diseases that can be transmitted to humans if they are bitten or scratched by an infected bat, including Australian bat lyssavirus (ABLV), which causes rabies,” she said.

Injured bats should be reported to Fauna Rescue’s 24-hour bat helpline on 0475 132 093.

Meanwhile, total fire bans have been declared for Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, Murraylands, Upper South East and Lower South East.