Adelaide is set for a wet and stormy weekend before conditions gradually clear and temperatures climb back above 30 degrees later next week.
The Bureau of Meteorology said a tropical low-pressure system centred over the far south of the Northern Territory is moving slowly southwards on Saturday and early Sunday, before tracking eastwards early next week. A high-pressure ridge is then expected to establish over the southern parts of the state from mid next week, bringing more settled weather.
Today, Adelaide is forecast to reach a maximum of 28 degrees, with rain and the possibility of thunderstorms. Rainfall totals between 7 and 30 mm are expected, with a 95 per cent chance of any rain. Thunderstorms during the morning and afternoon may become severe, bringing heavy downpours and a risk of flash flooding. Winds will be east to northeasterly at 15 to 20 km/h, becoming light early before strengthening easterly during the day. The UV Index is forecast to reach 11, rated extreme, with sun protection recommended between 9:40am and 5:10pm. Fire danger is rated moderate in the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Tomorrow, rain is expected to continue, with heavy falls possible. Adelaide is forecast to record a minimum of 22 degrees and a maximum of 27 degrees, with rainfall totals between 10 and 50 mm and a 90 per cent chance of rain. Thunderstorms are possible from late morning, with the risk of intense bursts of rain. Winds will shift from northeasterly to south to southeasterly during the afternoon. The UV Index is again forecast to reach an extreme 11.
Conditions will begin to ease on Monday, although a shower or two is still likely. The city is forecast to reach 25 degrees after a minimum of 19 degrees, with up to 6 mm of rainfall possible and a medium chance of showers, mainly in the morning. Southerly winds of 25 to 35 km/h are expected.
From Tuesday onwards, the trend turns drier and warmer. Tuesday is forecast to be partly cloudy with a top of 26 degrees, followed by cloud clearing on Wednesday with a maximum of 27 degrees. By Thursday, skies are expected to be sunny with temperatures climbing to 29 degrees, before reaching 31 degrees under sunny conditions on Friday.
Statewide, showers and thunderstorms are forecast to extend over most districts through the weekend, with some storms potentially severe and capable of producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding, particularly across central and eastern areas. Cumulative rainfall totals to the end of Tuesday are expected to remain below 5 mm near the western border and in the far northeast corner, but widespread falls of 20 to 50 mm are forecast elsewhere, increasing to 50 to 100 mm in parts, with local totals of 100 to 150 mm possible.
A Flood Warning remains in place for the Inland Rivers of South Australia, with flooding occurring along Cooper Creek at Innamincka and elevated river levels along the Warburton River. Authorities report river levels at Cullyamurra Waterhole remain well above the Innamincka causeway, although levels are beginning to fall. Emergency services are urging residents to avoid floodwaters, obey road closures and stay informed as conditions evolve over the coming days.
Happy Saturday, stay dry and stay safe!
Saturday February 28: Max 28°C – Rain. Possible storm.
Sunday 1 March: Min 22°C, Max 27°C – Rain. Heavy falls possible.
Monday 2 March: Min 19°C, Max 25°C – Shower or two.
Tuesday 3 March: Min 17°C, Max 26°C – Partly cloudy.
Wednesday 4 March: Min 16°C, Max 27°C – Cloud clearing.
Thursday 5 March: Min 15°C, Max 29°C – Sunny.
Friday 6 March: Min 16°C, Max 31°C – Sunny.
