Adelaide is heading into a prolonged and intense heatwave this week, with temperatures climbing into the high thirties and low forties, extreme UV levels, and elevated fire danger before a noticeable cool change arrives next weekend, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The rest of Monday is set to remain hot and sunny, with a top of 31 degrees and dry conditions across the metropolitan area. Winds will shift from east to southeasterly at 20 to 30 kilometres per hour, freshening during the middle of the day before easing in the evening. Fire danger is rated High for the Mount Lofty Ranges and Moderate for metropolitan Adelaide. Sun protection is essential, with the UV Index predicted to peak at 13, rated extreme.
Tuesday will turn up the heat, starting with an overnight low of 17 degrees and reaching a hot maximum of 36 degrees. Skies will remain sunny and rain-free, with easterly winds shifting west to northwesterly during the morning before a west to southwesterly change in the afternoon. UV levels will again reach extreme levels, with sun protection recommended from mid-morning through to late afternoon.
Wednesday is shaping up to be the hottest day of the week, with Adelaide expected to hit a sweltering 41 degrees after a warm overnight minimum of 23 degrees. Conditions will remain sunny and dry, with winds turning from east to northeasterly before shifting west to northwesterly during the day and easing in the evening. Extreme UV levels will persist, and heat stress is likely for those spending extended time outdoors.
Thursday will stay very hot, with a forecast top of 39 degrees and warm overnight temperatures around 22 degrees. While Adelaide itself is expected to remain dry, there is a slight chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms well to the northwest of the state. Northeasterly winds will turn southwest to southeasterly near the coast later in the day, offering limited relief from the heat.
Friday remains hot but slightly less intense, with a mostly sunny day and a maximum of 38 degrees following a warm overnight low of 25 degrees. Conditions will stay dry, and heatwave impacts are likely to continue across much of South Australia.
Relief arrives on Saturday as a cooler change moves through, bringing a significant drop in temperatures. Adelaide is forecast to reach a much more comfortable 25 degrees, with a minimum of 18 degrees and the chance of a shower or two.
Sunday continues the cooler trend, with partly cloudy skies, a low of 14 degrees and a pleasant daytime maximum of 26 degrees, marking the end of the week-long heatwave.
A Heatwave Warning remains current for large parts of South Australia, with severe heatwave conditions in place through to Wednesday. Authorities urge people to stay hydrated, seek cool indoor spaces, limit outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day, and check in on vulnerable family members, neighbours and pets as the prolonged heat continues.
ADELAIDE 7-DAY WEATHER FORECAST
- Monday, 5 January: Max 31° – Sunny.
- Tuesday, 6 January: Min 17°, Max 36° – Sunny.
- Wednesday, 7 January: Min 23°, Max 41° – Sunny.
- Thursday, 8 January: Min 22°, Max 39° – Sunny.
- Friday, 9 January: Min 25°, Max 38° – Mostly sunny.
- Saturday, 10 January: Min 18°, Max 25° – Shower or two.
- Sunday, 11 January: Min 14°, Max 26° – Partly cloudy.
