South Australia will experience intense summer heat over the next few days, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing a Severe Heatwave Warning for much of the state until Thursday, January 8th.
The warning includes Adelaide Metropolitan, Yorke Peninsula, Upper South East, Lower South East, Riverland, Murraylands, Mid North, Flinders, West Coast, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Lower Eyre Peninsula, North West Pastoral, North East Pastoral, and Mount Lofty Ranges. There are warnings of a prolonged period of dangerous heat building across South Australia, with maximum temperatures expected to climb into the high 30s to mid-40s in some regions.
Overnight conditions will be hot as well, with minimum temperatures forecast to sit in the high teens to mid-20s for several consecutive nights. These warm nights will not help ease heat stress on the body, especially for vulnerable members of the community.
It is looking like these severe heatwave conditions will extend eastwards over the coming days, peaking mid to late this week before easing slightly over the weekend. Locations likely to be impacted include Adelaide, Clare, Coober Pedy, Maitland, Mount Barker, Narracoorte, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Renmark, Roxby Downs and the Barossa Valley. These regions are already seeing hot temperatures with Port Augusta today reaching a max of 41 degrees, Port Pirie reaching 40 degrees, and Coober Pedy reaching 42 degrees.
Authorities are urging locals to take heatwave warnings seriously, as heatwaves have caused more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard. While extreme heat may be normal for some parts of the state, it can be particularly dangerous in cooler areas or for those not used to prolonged high temperatures.
There is also a statewide Code Red Tier 1 activated due to the prolonged period of hot weather with high overnight temperatures. The Tier 1 Code Red activation has been called for Tuesday, January 6th at 9am to Thursday, January 8th 2026 at 5pm.
Health and emergency services are reminding South Australians to prepare early and check in on family, friends and neighbours, especially older people, young children, pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with existing health conditions.
To stay safe during the heatwave, try to spend time in cool or air-conditioned spaces like homes, shopping centres, libraries, or community venues. Shutting blinds and curtains early in the day can help keep homes cooler, and fans and air conditioners should be used where available. Children and pets should never be left unattended in parked cars, even for short periods.
Other simple changes can also help make a difference, like sleeping in the coolest room of the house, keeping hydrated with iced water, and making sure pets have access to shade and plenty of fresh water. Registering older relatives with the Telecross REDi service can provide additional support during extreme heat events.
With several hot days ahead, officials are urging the community to remain aware and prioritise safety as South Australia endures its latest severe heatwave.
Extreme Fire Danger Ratings have been issued for the following districts on Wednesday 7 January:
- Eastern Eyre
- Flinders
- Kangaroo Island
- Lower Eyre Peninsula
- Lower South East
- Mid North
- Mount Lofty Ranges
- Murraylands
- Riverland
- Upper South East
- West Coast
- Yorke Peninsula
Given the predicted extreme conditions, South Australians are urged to consider delaying high-risk activities including harvesting, burn offs, campfires, and the use of power tools.
Severe heatwave conditions are forecast throughout the state in what will be one of the most widespread severe heatwaves across the state in the last five years.
A heatwave is declared when there are three or more days above the usual daily maximum and overnight minimum temperatures in a local area.
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For today’s weather forecast, click here.
