Parts of South Australia are bracing for temperatures nearing 50C – with authorities issuing a ‘code red’ alert.
Oak Valley in South Australia will hit 48C while the Nullarbor is looking at a top of 47C.
These temperatures are the hottest seen at this time of year in the region since 2007.
Meanwhile, Adelaide’s temperature is expected to soar past 39C.
Overnight minimum temperatures will be in the mid to high twenties.
The SA Government said the ‘Tier 1 Code Red’ activation would be in place from 9am on Tuesday to 5pm Wednesday.
The alert is design to warn people who are vulnerable to weather conditions, such as homeless or the elderly, that conditions could be dangerous. A similar Code Blue can be called in extreme cold weather.
Under the measures, support workers will visit known areas where people are sleeping rough to assist them to getting into shelter services. Staff from Red Cross will also call registered participants up to three times a day to check on them and arrange medical support if needed.
A ‘code red’ heatwave warning has been issued for parts of SA on Tuesday (pictured the Adelaide suburb of Grange on Tuesday)
South Australia is bracing for scorching temperatures with the mercury to soar to more than 40C in many regions
‘This is the first significant heatwave in more than three years and it’s critical that people stay safe,’ Minister for Human Services Nat Cook said.
‘Extreme heat during days is bad but, when it doesn’t cool down overnight, people’s bodies don’t get a chance to recover and they can be at risk.
‘We are lucky to live in a community that looks out for and supports the vulnerable, isolated and elderly.’
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for Kangaroo Island, Mid North, West Coast, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Lower Eyre Peninsula and North West Pastoral Districts.
While the remainder of the state, including metropolitan Adelaide, is under a low intensity heatwave warning.Â
The Bureau said conditions are expected to cool from Thursday when maximum temperatures are forecast to be below average for most of the state, with the exception of the northeast and far southeast.
‘On Thursday there will be northerly winds in the east ahead of a fresh west to southwesterly change extending throughout the state during the morning, strong at times about coastal parts.’
Ms Cook said outreach services would be provided by the Toward Home Alliance and Adelaide North West Homelessness Alliance.
The Westcare Centre, at 11/19 Millers Court in Adelaide, will be open for support and overnight accommodation from 1pm.
While the Hutt St Centre, at 258 Hutt Street in Adelaide, will open from 7am – 5pm.
Anyone experiencing homelessness in the state can contact Homeless Connect SA on 1800 003 308 for assistance.
