A taste of the summer heat for Adelaide
Scott Morris,
Sunday November 17, 2019 - 13:30 AEDT
Over the last month, southeast SA has escaped the most intense spells of heat with many days coming in below average to start off November, with today being no exception. However, the start of the week offers a change in the weather.
So far this month in Adelaide (West Terrace site), only two days (Friday 1st and Monday 11th) have recorded above average maximum temperatures. To put this in perspective, November 2018 and 2017 saw eight above average days by the 16th of the month.
A steady flow of fronts is the reason why the southeast of SA remained so cool, with many places recording much fewer days above average for November. However, this weather should not last much longer.
Winds from the NW should begin drawing in heat from tomorrow, causing temperatures to rise above average across the southeast of the state. However, persistent SW winds should delay the peak of this heat until Wednesday, especially for the more coastal areas.
Unfortunately, around Wednesday morning, these winds should shift NW again, bringing the full force of the heat down on the region. Temperatures are expected to soar, with Adelaide forecast to reach 42 degrees. If 42 degrees were reached, it would be Adelaide’s highest temperature since the 24th of January this year. Wednesday should be the hottest day since January for many places across the southeast.
For some, it could be their hottest November day on record. The previous highest November maximum for Elizabeth is 44.5 degrees in 2009. If Elizabeth sees the 45 degrees that is forecast on Wednesday, it will surpass this record.
Fire Danger Ratings for Wednesday are expected to reach Catastrophic in some districts, with a statewide Total Fire Ban in place.
Fortunately, the spike of heat will be short lived. A strong cold front should sweep through overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, removing the heat and bringing temperatures back down closer to average.
- Weatherzone
© Weatherzone
2019