Adelaide weather: Rain finally on the way – but is it enough to break SA’s record dry spell?

After one of our driest starts to a year on record, rain is forecast to fall again over SA. But how much will we get – and will it be enough to break our dry spell?

After one of our driest starts to a year on record, rain is finally forecast to fall in Adelaide.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a 60 per cent chance of showers on both Friday and Saturday.

But don’t get too excited – BOM senior meteorologist Sarah Scully said the falls would not be significant.

“We’re predicting isolated light showers from (Wednesday) onwards,” she told The Advertiser.

So far this year, less than 18mm of rain has been recorded in Adelaide, making it the fourth driest start to a year on record.

“Friday is expected to be the wettest day but the rainfall totals are not expected to be significant,” she said.

“We’re looking at about 3mm – with 5mm possible, most likely on the slopes of the Mount Lofty Ranges.”

She said showers could linger into Saturday afternoon.

“So for anyone heading to the footy, there is a risk – depending on wind direction.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s largest inland lake in SA’s north is on track to break a 50-year record.

Water continues to flow into Lake Eyre as an inland sea of floodwater from Queensland makes its way across the Outback.

Queensland flood waters running into Lake Eyre. Picture: Arid Air

Queensland flood waters running into Lake Eyre. Picture: Arid Air

Experts predict the dry salt lake could reach, or even surpass, record levels of 1974.

Outback pilot and Arid Air owner Phil van Wegen has been documenting the rising water levels at the lake, which only fills about four times every 100 years.

“It’s pretty amazing to see,” he told The Advertiser.

“And it’s not just the lake. It’s the wildlife too. It transforms the whole region.”

He expected water to remain in Lake Eyre until at least Christmas and encouraged tourists to make the trip to see it.

“It’s pretty speccy,” he said.