South Australia is preparing for one of its hottest days in five years, as strong winds raise the risk of extreme fire danger across several states. Forecasts indicate that Adelaide might experience its highest temperature since December 2019, potentially reaching 44 degrees Celsius tomorrow. Today, the city has already recorded temperatures of 39 degrees.
A stagnant mass of hot air is affecting the region, but a low-pressure system is expected to move eastward, bringing a cold front. Overnight, temperatures are likely to remain elevated, staying in the mid to high 20s. The heatwave is expected to persist until around 6pm on Wednesday.
Other southeastern capitals are also forecasted to experience the soaring temperatures, with Melbourne set to reach 35 degrees on Wednesday and 37 degrees the following day, while Hobart might hit the mid-30s on Thursday. The combination of heat and dry, gusty conditions poses a serious fire threat to parts of South Australia and western Victoria. Fortunately, a cool change is anticipated to end the heat in Adelaide on Wednesday night and in Melbourne by Thursday night.