SA heatwave forecast for New Year’s Eve 2021 as Surf Life Saving SA offers safety tips

After the year we’ve just been through, the heatwave heading our way might push everyone into the water for New Year’s Eve.

A heatwave forecast for large parts of the state this week is likely to send South Australians scurrying into the water for sweet relief.

But surf lifesavers are warning beachgoers to be mindful of sun safety, and to use the Surf Life Saving SA Beachsafe App to find the nearest patrolled beach.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Simon Timcke said the “hot to very hot conditions” would stretch right across the state toward the end of the week.

“It is looking like a pretty hot New Year’s Eve,” he said.

“Especially in the north of the state, with maximum temperatures into the low 40s.

“And it’s really only the coastal fringe that will have much relief.“

The Bureau has forecast areas of “low-intensity heatwave” conditions from Wednesday. Mr Timcke said a few areas of severe heatwave conditions would “pop up” for Friday (New Year’s Eve), Saturday and Sunday.

The definition of heatwave now includes both “maximum and minimum temperatures that are unusually high over over at least a three-day period for a location”.

A trough will move through on Saturday bringing milder conditions to southern coastal districts for Sunday.

ADELAIDE 7-DAY FORECAST

Tuesday

Min 13, Max 29

Sunny.

Wednesday

Min 17, Max 33

Sunny.

Thursday

Min 18, Max 35

Sunny.

Friday

Min 21, Max 36

Hot to very hot and sunny.

Saturday

Min 21, Max 37

Hot to very hot and mostly sunny.

Sunday

Min 21, Max 35

Mostly sunny.

Monday

Min 19, Max 31

Partly cloudy.

Beach Safety Tips from Surf Life Saving SA

Never swim alone. 

Read and obey the beach safety signs.

Don't swim directly after a meal.

Don't swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Always check the depth of the water.

Never run or dive into the water. Even if you have checked the depth, water conditions can change.

Learn how to spot a rip and keep clear of it. 

If you get into trouble in the water, stay calm. Signal for help by holding up one arm and waving, float and wait for assistance.

Be sun smart: slip, slop,  slap, seek, slide. Slip on a shirt, slop on 30+ sunscreen, slap on a brimmed hat, seek shade, slide on sunglasses. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming.

Keep the beach clean, put your rubbish in a bin. Leave nothing but footprints. 

Keep out of dunes and fenced areas. They are there to preserve the beach environment.

Always swim at beaches with patrolling lifesavers or lifeguards. The Surf Life Saving SA Beachsafe App can find your closest patrolled beach.

Grange surf lifesaver Ben Edmonds on patrol at Grange Beach on Boxing Day. Picture: Mark Brake