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South Australia: the heat is on but rain is coming



South Australia has recorded a scorching summer so far – set to be one of the hottest, if not the hottest, on record.
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, recorded 13 days of temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius this summer. It has already surpassed the record number of days over 42C in a calendar year, set in both 1939 and 2009, says Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology. With only 6 weeks into the year, 10 days have been recorded over 42C. The average maximum temperature in the last 31 days in Adelaide was 36C.
Today, Wednesday 12 February, recorded a maximum of 41.7C at 2:30pm. Its minimum was 31.1C at 6:00am this morning, making it the hottest February night since 1983 (31 years ago). January this year was the hottest January on record, with its fourth hottest day in history of 45.1C on January 14. The five consecutive days above 42C from January 13-17 were also a record.
Port Pirie in the state’s north experienced the highest temperature today (and a record) of 45C at 12:53 pm.


The Bureau of Meteorology announced a cool change for tomorrow with an expected maximum of 30C and a high chance of rain.


As I arrived at Adelaide airport, the South Australian State Emergency Service (SES) issued “Extreme Heat Information” brochures to all passengers coming to the city. It advised people to stay hydrated by drinking 2-3 litres of water a day and to avoid sweet fizzy drinks, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and salt. Wearing lightweight and light coloured clothes are best for reflecting heat and sunlight which helps maintain a normal body temperature. And of course, they advise to keep out of direct sun as much as possible. If in direct sun, wear a hat, shirt, sunglasses, and sunscreen.


Heat distress mostly affects the elderly and young children, as well as those with serious health issues. The SES brochure listed heat stress symptoms (for cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke) and first aid treatment.


Heat Cramps: (symptoms include heavy sweating, thirst, fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, prickly heat rash, nausea, muscle spasms and twitching, moist and cool skin, and painful stomach cramps) The advice is to drink more water, have a cold shower or bath, sit in a cool place, slightly elevate the legs, massage muscles gently to ease cramps, apply ice packs, and drink glucose.
Heat Exhaustion: (symptoms include profuse sweating, cold clammy and pale skin, fatigue, weakness, headache, vomiting, weak but rapid pulse, poor coordination, and faintness) The advice is to  lay down, loosen clothing, apply wet cloths to head and body, sit near a fan or air conditioner, sip cold water, and seek medical advice.
Heat Stroke: (symptoms include confusion, headache, nausea, dizziness, red flushed skin, dry skin, dry swollen tongue, high body temperature, rapid pulse that is initially strong then weakens, and unconsciousness) The advice is to seek medical advice urgently, lay person in a cool place and loosen clothing, check breathing, cool the person quickly with wet towels or cold water and air conditioning, and give sips of water if they are conscious.

www.ses.sa.gov.au

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/bureau-of-meteorology-says-heavy-rains-on-way-across-south-australia-on-friday-after-scorching-heat/story-fnl1ee8j-1226823469780


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