A wet and unsettled change is moving across South Australia today, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms and a noticeable drop in temperature — with some regional storms capable of producing heavy rain, damaging winds and large hail.
Adelaide is in for a particularly wet Thursday, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a 100 per cent chance of rainand around 9 to 25 millimetres possible across parts of the metropolitan area.
Thunderstorms are also possible across Adelaide during the afternoon and evening as the change moves through.
Wet afternoon ahead for Adelaide
Thursday’s maximum across Adelaide is expected to reach only around 21 to 22°C, considerably cooler than the warmer conditions experienced earlier in the week.
The Bureau is forecasting cloudy conditions with rain most likely through the morning and afternoon.
Winds are expected to turn south to southwesterly during the afternoon before tending south to southeasterly later in the day, helping push cooler air across the metropolitan area.
For people heading home from work or school this afternoon, the combination of rain and possible thunderstorms could make roads slower and more difficult than usual.
Motorists should allow additional travel time, use headlights in poor visibility and take particular care where water begins collecting on roads.
Severe thunderstorms possible in northern SA
While Adelaide is expecting rain and thunderstorms, the potential for more significant weather is higher across parts of regional South Australia.
In the North West Pastoral district, the Bureau says thunderstorms may become severe, bringing:
damaging winds
large hail
heavy rainfall
the possibility of flash flooding
The district has a high chance of showers today, with thunderstorms considered likely.
Some locations could receive between 4 and 20 millimetres of rain, although thunderstorms can produce much heavier falls over relatively small areas.
Heavy rain risk through the Flinders
The Flinders district is also facing unsettled conditions.
The Bureau is forecasting a very high chance of showers, particularly through the afternoon and evening, with thunderstorms possible.
Some storms could become severe and produce heavy rainfall capable of causing flash flooding.
Winds are also expected to strengthen as the change moves through, reaching around 25 to 35 km/h in parts of the district.
Mid North could also see severe storms
The Mid North is expecting a very high chance of rain today, with thunderstorms possible.
The Bureau says storms in northern parts of the district could become severe and produce heavy rain capable of causing flash flooding.
Around the Gawler River area, 9 to 25 millimetres is forecast, with temperatures only reaching the low to mid-20s.
That means communities north of Adelaide should keep an eye on conditions throughout the afternoon, particularly if thunderstorms begin developing nearby.
West Coast storms ease after unsettled morning
Parts of the West Coast have also been dealing with thunderstorms today.
The Bureau forecast storms potentially capable of producing damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall during the morning before conditions gradually ease.
Showers remain likely through parts of the district, particularly east of Ceduna.
More showers for Adelaide on Friday
The unsettled weather will not disappear immediately once today’s change moves through.
Adelaide is forecast to reach only around 18°C on Friday, with a 90 per cent chance of showers and between 1 and 10 millimetres of rain possible.
Another thunderstorm is possible during the late morning and afternoon, while southerly winds of around 15 to 25 km/h will reinforce the cooler conditions.
Conditions should begin improving into the weekend.
Saturday is currently forecast to be partly cloudy with only a slight chance of a shower and a maximum around 18 to 19°C.
Take care around thunderstorms and heavy rain
South Australians travelling through areas affected by thunderstorms are being reminded to take particular care around flash flooding.
Heavy thunderstorms can cause water levels to rise quickly, especially across floodways, creeks and low-lying roads.
Drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roads and should avoid unnecessary travel through areas experiencing severe weather.
Loose outdoor items should also be secured in areas where damaging winds are possible.
A distinctly spring change
The system is delivering the sort of rapidly changing conditions that can occur during South Australian spring — with rain, thunderstorms, cooler winds and pockets of potentially severe weather all affecting different parts of the state.
For Adelaide, the main impacts today are expected to be widespread rain, possible thunderstorms and cooler conditions, while the greater severe-weather risk remains across parts of regional South Australia.
Forecasts and warnings can change quickly during thunderstorm events, so anyone travelling today should check the latest Bureau of Meteorology advice before heading out.