What is a heatwave?

Heatwaves are periods of continuous hot weather, across both daily and overnight temperatures.

The State Emergency Service (SES) is the control agency for severe weather in South Australia.

Throughout Summer, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) predicts average daily temperatures and overnight minimum temperatures and then works with the SES to issue heatwave warnings.

South Australia can experience many heatwaves, so it is important to know what the effects of heatwaves are, who is at risk and how you can prepare for it and cope.

What is the difference between 'heatwaves' and 'hot weather'?

A heatwave is more than just ‘hotter than usual’ weather.

When temperatures are hotter than 35°C, your body may not be able to cool you down enough for you to stay healthy, especially if you are an older person or if you are taking certain medicines.

During a heatwave, you are more likely to develop a heat-related illness and become unwell much faster than you would when in warm or hot weather.

Further information

  • Visit the SES website.
  • Follow SES on Facebook or Twitter for alerts.
  • Check radio, television and online news regularly for information and advice.