Very hot temperatures and strong gusty conditions for parts of SA with likely fire bans

There are total fire bans in parts of the state today for the first time this season. Wind speeds of up to 100km/h with temperatures over 40C are forecast in eastern districts.

Extreme heat and strong winds will create the perfect storm for bushfires on Wednesday, and total fire bans are in place in some regions for the first time this season.

While temperatures will reach a manageable 30C in Adelaide on Wednesday, remote locations such as Oodnadatta are tipped to reach 42C, while Marla is forecast to hit 41C and Coober Pedy and Roxby Downs are both expected to reach 39C.

Total fire bans are current in the Eastern Eyre Peninsula, North West Pastoral District and on the West Coast as wind gusts of up to 100km/h are forecast to develop throughout the day.

Damaging winds are possible over the North West and North East Pastoral districts tomorrow! Southwesterly winds averaging 50-70 km/h, with peak gusts of 90-100 km/h, are expected to develop near and following a cool change. Severe Weather Warning at https://t.co/cNCFXL5x6wpic.twitter.com/AFrX7IX4G4

— Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia (@BOM_SA) October 19, 2021

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Tom Boeck said there would be hot and windy conditions ahead of a change in the Far North and Mid-West in the next 48 hours.

“We’re looking at potentially some hot and very hot temperatures out through the Far North and west of the state today (Tuesday) and tomorrow,” Mr Boeck said.

Fire bans are likely for Wednesday.

“There will be fresh to strong and gusty northerly winds ahead of the change and following that, fresh to strong and gusty south westerly winds.

“There is a chance for some damaging winds with the change as well so that is a possibility at this stage as well.”

Elevated fire danger tomorrow over the north and west of #SouthAustralia! Hot to very hot with fresh to strong and gusty northerly winds ahead of a cooler strong and gusty west to southwesterly change in the afternoon and evening. Fire Weather Warning https://t.co/7bRg0cSSe0pic.twitter.com/JNgHhHYP0J

— Bureau of Meteorology, South Australia (@BOM_SA) October 19, 2021

Brett Williamson from the Country Fire Service said the dangerous conditions were a timely reminder for the community ahead of the bushfire season.

“If we do get a fire tomorrow (Wednesday) it will be a good reminder of how quickly it can spread,” Mr Williamson said.

A cool change will reach Adelaide on Wednesday night, and temperatures are forecast at 24C for Thursday.

“There will be some increasing winds (in Adelaide on Wednesday) but we’re not expecting it to be as windy as through the north,” Mr Boeck said.

Authorities are urging the community to be vigilant, after it was revealed more that 40 per cent of South Australians living in bushfire prone areas don’t know where their nearest bushfire safer place is, or even the meaning of the refuge.