Climate of Adelaide - 2009 Heatwave (26 January 2009- 3 February)

2009 Heatwave (26 January 2009- 3 February)

On 25 January 2009, the city was affected by the 2009 Southern Australia heat wave, due to a virtually stand-still high pressure system that dragged northerly air streams towards the city. The heatwave broke numerous records and has affected all of south-eastern Australia, including Melbourne, another southern Australian city, cancelling outdoor games during the 2009 Australian Open. The heatwave commenced on Australia Day 2009 with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius. From 27 January onward the temperature has soared above 40 degrees for 3 consecutive days with another 3 days planned and no temperatures below 40 until at least 2 February where the temperature is expected to reach 39 degrees Celsius. This would be the longest straight run of 40 degrees Celsius plus temperatures in Australian history. On 28 January, the third day into the heatwave, the temperature soared to 45.7 degrees Celsius, making it the 3rd hottest day on record in Adelaide. On that same night, the temperature only dipped to 33.9 degrees Celsius making it the highest minimum temperature on South Australian record.