Heatwave to crash the festival season party
Emergency services are warning revellers to take precautions as a heatwave bears down on a bevvy of festivals across Adelaide.
Crowds at the Garden of Unearthly Delights. Photo: InDaily
As Adelaide enters the clutches of a severe heatwave, authorities are urging revellers to keep cool as they enjoy a slew of festivals in the city.
The Bureau of Meteorology predicts temperatures will reach into the 40Cs over the next few days across much of South Australia.
The WOMADelaide festival, which starts on Friday evening at the city’s Botanic Park, says extra shade and misters will be available for patrons.
It has placed bat bins around the site, which staff will use to dispose of flying foxes who succumb to the heat.
The world music and arts festival is just one of several events set to be affected, with Adelaide in the midst of the busiest period of its festive calendar.
Fringe Festival, the South Australian athletics championships and the Adelaide Cup horse race are all planned for this long weekend.
The South Australian State Emergency Service urged revellers enjoying the festivities to stay cool, hydrated and sun safe.
“Heatwaves cause more deaths in Australia than any other natural hazard,” SES chief of staff Derren Halleday said.
“Taking a few sensible precautions during heatwaves can greatly minimise the risk to ourselves, our family and friends and also our pets.”
Halleday warned people to take care around trees, which are more likely to shed large branches when they suffer from heat stress in high temperatures.
Chief Public Health Officer Nicola Spurrier advised people to go to a shopping centre or a library if they could not keep cool at home.
“The heat affects everyone but certain groups such as babies and young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have chronic health conditions are more at risk than others,” she said.
“Drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol and caffeine.”
The BOM has forecast Adelaide to hit maximums of 37C on Friday, 40C on Saturday and 37C on Sunday.
Senior Meteorologist Jonathan Fischer said that the heat wave is being brought about by a high-pressure system in the Tasman Sea directing hot northerly winds across South Australia.
“The last time we had a severe heatwave for Adelaide and the south of the state was February last year, so a bit over a year since we’ve had prolonged heat of this magnitude,” he said.
Victoria is also set to swelter over the weekend, with Melbourne expected to reach 39C and 38C on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.
– AAP
