The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast very hot conditions across SA from Friday until at least next Wednesday, with maximums for Adelaide likely to peak in the low 40s.
In some regional centres, the mercury is likely to push into the mid-40s.
Marshall says it’s always an anxious time when temperatures soar but he believes the state is as prepared as it possibly can be.
“We’ve made all the necessary precautionary investigations regarding our energy supply,” the premier told reporters today.
“We believe that we will be fine in that area.
“Obviously, you’re always anxious when there are very high temperatures in South Australia but we believe we’ve got all the contingencies in place.”
South Australia has previously had power issues during summer, sometimes associated with equipment failures during severe conditions.
In February 2017, 90,000 properties lost supply on a day of extreme temperatures when automated load-shedding software failed to work properly, cutting off three times as many consumers as necessary.
The forecast high temperatures are also a concern for organisers of cycling’s Tour Down Under.
The women’s field will swelter from Friday, with the men to race in very hot conditions on at least Tuesday and Wednesday.
Organisers say they are talking with teams and will consider reducing stage distances and adjusting start times if necessary.
“The race director, the race committee take all the necessary precautions to keep competitors safe and if they’ve got to reduce the length of the races that’s precisely what they’ll do,” Marshall said.
With the heatwave looming, SA Health said people should think about how they will keep cool and stay well.
“The heat affects everyone and some groups of people such as babies and young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have chronic health conditions are more at risk than others,” chief medical officer Paddy Phillips said.
“In extreme heat that lasts for a number of days, you are more likely to develop a heat-related illness and become unwell much faster.”
– AAP
