Extreme heatwave warning issued for parts of SA as sweltering weather arrives

South Australians have been warned to prepare for the summer’s first string of hot days as temperatures head into the 30s.

South Australians will be warmed into the weekend with the year’s first real burst of sunshine, with the mercury predicted to tip 40C in parts of the state after a wild, woolly start to the summer.

After weeks of drizzly weather and thunderstorms, Adelaide is headed for a scorching 36C today, 32C on ­Saturday, cooling slightly to 29C on Sunday, before moving back up to 32C on Monday and 32C on Tuesday.

The five-day run of sun will be the state’s first consecutive warm days since early December, with conditions expected to remain dry for the foreseeable future.

Severe heatwave warnings have been issued today for the North West Pastoral and West Coast districts, with temperatures to soar to 41C in Roxby Downs, 41C at Kimba and 40C at Port Augusta.

Thomas And Freddie Gough getting ready for a kayak. Picture: Ben Clarke/NCA Newswire

Owen Lowe playing beach cricket with Mason Dixon, Austin Lowe, and Lewis Lowe. Picture: Ben Clark/NCA Newswire

The State Emergency Service has warned residents, ­particularly babies and young children, older people, pregnant women and people who are already unwell, to stay indoors as much as possible.

People are warned to turn on fans and air-conditioning early, keep hydrated and ensure pets and animals have shade.

The searing heat will continue on Saturday as a wave of warm weather continues east, with a top of 39C forecast for Woomera, 38C for Renmark and 38C at Port Pirie.

A heatwave warning has been issued for parts of the state's northwest. Picture: SES

Meteorologist Jenny Horvat from the Bureau of Meteorology said that a high pressure ridge would keep SA’s weather relatively stable for coming days, with an easterly component keeping maximum temperatures in Adelaide slightly cooler than usual January heatwaves.

“We’re looking at weather not dissimilar to the run we had at the very start of December, with temperatures in the high-20s to mid-30s,” she said.

Ms Horvat said conditions were expected to remain dry until Tuesday, with the chance of wet weather more uncertain after that.

High fire danger ratings are in place for almost all of the state, with only the North East Pastoral and North West Pastoral regions on moderate alert.

The welcome warm weather comes after Adelaide recorded its coldest Christmas Day since 2006 and its coolest December since 2008.

Originally published as Extreme heatwave warning issued for parts of SA as sweltering weather arrives