Weather, Adelaide

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Here in Adelaide South Australia we are experiencing a phenomena of 'Extreme Weather'! We are living through the hottest and longest heatwave ever recorded - one can't help but think about global warming. Last Summer we endured 15 days straight when the weather was 38 degrees celcius or above. This Summer, over just the last few days, we have experienced the following temperatures (which are all taken in the shade) 40, 45.6, 43.4 and today 42.2 and climbing. The nights are not bringing any relieve because the temperature has not dropped below 30.

Electrical equipment has caught on fire causing many power black outs - there are reports of buses overheating and one bus's engine caught fire - the train lines have literally buckled on the tracks and so numerous trains are not running and the brand new trams are also not working fully.

I tried to take a cold shower an hour ago and the pipes are so hot outside that the water is running almost boiling hot instead of cold. Mindful of water saving... but needing to cool down... 5 minutes later the cold tap was still running hot - so I turned it off. The inside walls of my house are hot to the touch. Hmmm.... even refrigerated air conditioners are struggling with this heat and guess what! ..... They expect this to go on every day for at least another week.

One Supermarket lost over $30,000 in stock due to a power failure overnight in the heat. Temperatures have reached 70 degrees out in the sun on our city tennis courts. Sadly two dogs waiting for someone to adopt them have died at the RSPCA shelter

If visiting Adelaide in January / February months be prepared for scorching / dry / vicious heat and if that is not your cup of tea then I suggest travelling here other months of the year. As one MGM characte once said 'help me I am Melllllllting!'

Adelaide has beautiful sunny days that are great for exploring our great city. Please remember that sunburn is a major cause of skin cancer, which is prevelant in Australia.
We have a saying here....slip,slop and slap....
Slip on a shirt
Slop on some sunscreen
Slap on a hat..
This is very good advice for all travellers. Even if the temperature is 22C, you can burn very easily.

The sun - one of the easiest ways to pick an international tourist in South Australia is by the tan. The sun is very fierce in Australia. If you are fair like me then you can burn in 10 minutes and you can burn in the shade, in the car, just about anywhere. Wear sunscreen and, on hot summer days, save outdoor activities for early morning and the evening otherwise your trip will be spent in a sunburnt agony.

Drink lots of water too, but it might be best to buy it. You can drink Adelaide tap water but you need a strong stomach. It doesn't taste too great.