Thunderstorms set to put on a cracking start to 2024 ahead of a heatwave

The first week of 2024 is expected to be a cracker in SA, with thunderstorms predicted across the state – ahead of a heatwave this weekend.

The first week of 2024 is set to bring lightning, according to the BoM. Picture: Emma Fleetwood

The first week of 2024 is expected to be filled with summer storms, as thunder and lightning across the state continues amid a moderate heatwave.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Jon Fischer said while December 2023 was the “coolest” December since 2008, a moderate heatwave is due to pass through the state at the end of this week.

He also predicted an increase in lightning following on from last Thursday’s significant sky display.

“In the next week there is certainly more lightning than usual happening across the state, which carries a risk of bushfires – as lightning always does,” Mr Fischer said.

Lightning is predicted to increase this week. Picture: Raymond Hutchinson

People are reminded to stay vigilant as lightning can cause bushfires. Picture: Matt Orr/Straya Photography

“The rest of January is probably leaning towards the warmer side, but that’s what can be expected in summer.”

He said the despite the increase in lightning, he’s not overly concerned that there will be severe bushfire danger conditions.

“There’s no really strong signals one way or the other for the state over the next couple of months. I think what we can expect is just typical summer conditions which do have periods of some fire risk.”

Mr Fischer said the peak lightning season spreads across the end of spring into summer, and recent lightning displays aren’t relatively “unusual” for this time of year.

“I don’t think that the season has been unusually high or low for that. It varies year to year, so there’s no real signal there.”

A 10 per cent chance of rain during the end of this week will increase to 80 per cent by next Monday, with daily average temperatures rising from the mid 20s to a high of 32 degrees in the CBD on Friday.

The BOM has issued a severe weather warning for thunderstorms and damaging winds for people in the North West Pastoral district.

Locations which may be affected include the area around Emu Junction and parts of the Great Victoria Desert.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for DAMAGING WINDS
For people in parts of North West Pastoral district.https://t.co/wRN568YUgXpic.twitter.com/83mJ7UoLkr

— Country Fire Service (@CFSAlerts) January 2, 2024

Despite authorities claiming an El Nino effect would bring hot, dry spells across the state, the last month of 2023 set the lowest average temperature record in more than a decade.

“December came in at an average of 25.5 degrees,” Mr Fischer said.

“So that was the coolest December in some time actually. The last time we reached that low in a December month was in 2008.”

He said this summer has “certainly been milder” than expected, “largely to do with the rainfall.”

“Temperatures are going to get closer to a typical summer average this week. The weekend is forecast to be in the 30s, but there’s definitely room for there to be a warmer day in there.”

He said Saturday’s predicted high of 31 degrees, combined with wet conditions and cloud cover, will also likely leave evenings feeling “muggy”.

“There’s a severe heatwave warning in place for the northern pastoral districts, with a low intensity heatwave due to sweep across the south of the state,” he said.

“We’re not expecting any strong northerly winds further south, or heat like there will be in other parts of the state.

“However, in this kind of weather there’s always a possibility fires could start, but if the rain doesn’t stop them then the CFS will have a good shot in getting on top of it.”

“This week, there shouldn’t be much concern for fires, but it is South Australia, and it is summer. I’d remind people to stay vigilant.”