South Australians are being urged to brace for a volatile weather mix heading into Friday, with damaging winds, extreme fire danger and a severe heatwave all active across large parts of the state.
A Severe Weather Warning for damaging wind gusts has been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, with conditions expected to deteriorate from Friday morning and peak during the afternoon and early evening as a strong change moves through South Australia.
Gusty north-westerly winds are forecast to develop after sunrise, particularly across the Mount Lofty and Flinders Ranges, before thunderstorms increase the risk of more widespread damaging winds later in the day. Peak gusts of around 90 km/h are possible during the morning, with thunderstorm-related gusts up to 100 km/h likely in the afternoon and early evening. Conditions are expected to ease later on Friday night.
Areas under the damaging winds warning include Flinders, Mid North, Riverland, Murraylands, Upper South East, parts of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Lower South East, North West Pastoral, Yorke Peninsula and North East Pastoral districts. Locations that may be impacted include Whyalla, Renmark, Port Augusta, Port Pirie, Clare and Murray Bridge.
The wind threat comes on top of an Extreme Fire Danger warning for the Mid North fire weather district, where hot, dry conditions combined with fresh north-to-north-west winds shifting south-west in the afternoon are expected to significantly elevate fire risks. Authorities are urging residents in affected areas to action their Bushfire Survival Plans immediately and remain alert to changing conditions throughout the day.
Compounding the situation is a Severe Heatwave Warning continuing across much of the state through to Friday. Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach the high thirties to mid-forties, with warm overnight minimums providing little relief. Severe heatwave conditions are expected to peak before easing as a cold front moves through on Friday, bringing cooler conditions into the weekend, particularly for southern districts.
Communities likely to be impacted by the ongoing heat include Adelaide, Clare, Coober Pedy, Maitland, Mount Barker, Port Pirie, Port Augusta, Renmark, Roxby Downs and the Barossa Valley.
Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate, with Strong Wind Warnings in place for Central Coast, South Central Coast, Spencer Gulf, Investigator Strait, Upper South East Coast and Lower South East Coast on Friday.
Emergency services are advising residents to secure loose outdoor items, move vehicles under cover or away from trees, and stay indoors and away from windows during severe conditions. People in fire-prone areas are encouraged to closely monitor conditions, avoid unnecessary travel, and be prepared to act quickly if warnings escalate.
Up-to-date warnings and safety advice are available via the Bureau of Meteorology website, through television and radio broadcasts, or by calling 1300 659 210.
