Heatwave watch: Low-intensity conditions forecast for much of SA by Saturday, with severe heatwave flagged for the North West Pastoral

Heatwave conditions South Australia are expected to develop across multiple districts this weekend, according to the Bureau of Meteorology’s heatwave outlook and advice shared by the State Emergency Service (SES).

While Thursday, 22 January 2026 is forecast as no heatwave across South Australia, and Friday, 23 January remains mostly no heatwave, conditions begin to build heading into Saturday.

Heatwave conditions South Australia: District forecast (Jan 22–24)

The BoM heatwave outlook indicates:

• Thursday (22 Jan): No heatwave forecast across all districts

• Friday (23 Jan): Low intensity for North East Pastoral and North West Pastoral; all other districts no heatwave

• Saturday (24 Jan): Low-intensity heatwave forecast for many districts, with severe heatwave forecast for North West Pastoral

Saturday (24 Jan) — Low-intensity heatwave forecast for:

Adelaide Metropolitan, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Flinders, Kangaroo Island, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Mid North, Mount Lofty Ranges, Murraylands, Riverland, Upper South East, West Coast, Yorke Peninsula, plus North East Pastoral (low intensity).

Saturday (24 Jan) — Severe heatwave forecast for:

North West Pastoral

The Lower South East is forecast to remain no heatwave during this period.

What “low”, “severe” and “extreme” heatwaves mean

The SES says low-intensity heatwaves are common in summer and many people cope well, but babies and young children, older people, and those with medical conditions should take extra care.

Severe heatwaves are less frequent and can be challenging even for healthy people. The SES advises it will issue specific warning messages for areas where severe conditions are forecast.

Heat safety tips from SES

The SES recommends taking action now:

• Drink water regularly and stay in cool or air-conditioned spaces where possible

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day

• Check in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours

• Never leave children or pets in parked cars

• Keep pets supplied with shade and water

Where to get updates

For official heatwave forecast updates, visit:

• Bureau of Meteorology heatwave page: https://www.bom.gov.au/australia/heatwave

• SES South Australia: https://www.ses.sa.gov.au

For health advice, you can also check:

• SA Health: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au

• Healthdirect: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au

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