As the mercury soaring across Australia on Tuesday, Port Augusta has reached its hottest day since records began in 1962.
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According to the Bureau of Meteorology temperatures in town reached a sweltering 48.9 degrees, although the iconic gauge above The Transcontinental building recorded a staggering 52 degrees at 1pm.
Locals are unlikely to see any relief from the heat for some time as temperatures are predicted to stay in the high 40s over the next few days.
The State Emergency Services warn extreme heat is more than just hot weather.
“When it is extremely hot during the day and it does not cool down at night, it is hard for your body to cool itself,” a spokesperson said.
“Babies and young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those who are already unwell are especially at risk but, in an extreme heatwave, even healthy people who do not take action to keep cool can become very ill.”
Port Augusta City Council has opened the Central Oval complex this week from 8:30-4pm as a refuge for the elderly from the heat.
Take action to make sure you and your family stay well during this weather event:
What you should do:
- Keep cool by staying indoors as much as possible and turn fans and air-conditioners on early in the day to stop the heat from building up in your home.
- Make sure you are drinking plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Carry a water bottle with you if you go out.
- Never leave children, or pets, alone in a car.
- The very young, older people and those who are already unwell are most at risk – check on them regularly.
- Make sure your pets and animals have shade and water too.
Health information:
- If you are feeling unwell, contact your local doctor or telephone HealthDirect Australia on 1800 022 222.
- For immediate medical attention telephone 000 (triple zero).
- To register for the Telecross REDi service telephone 1800 188 071.
Stay informed:
- Check the SES website at www.ses.sa.gov.au
- Monitor local conditions and tune in to your local ABC on a battery-powered radio for updates
- Call the SA Emergency Infoline on 1800 362 361
- People who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairment, can contact the SA Emergency Infoline via the National Relay Service on 1800 555 727 (TTY users 1800 555 677)
- Follow the SES on Twitter (@SA_SES) or Facebook (SA State Emergency Service)
- For weather warnings and forecasts visit www.bom.gov.au.
- For SES assistance phone 132 500
- For further information visit www.sa.gov.au/extremeheat
