Persistent heat makes January 1890 a notably hot and oppressive month
Date
17–20 January 1890
Summary / Overview
January 1890 was characterised by unusually persistent rather than record-breaking extreme heat. Contemporary reporting described an “almost unbroken spell” of hot and sultry weather, with daytime maxima generally above 80°F and usually above 90°F. Four days exceeded 100°F, peaking at 105°F (40.6°C) on 18 January. The prolonged conditions affected daily life and working practices, with Adelaide police parades suspended and foot constables permitted to patrol on the shady side of streets. Environmental impacts were also reported, including substantial mortality in oyster beds attributed chiefly to hot weather during the latter part of January.
Meteorological data recorded at the time
January daytime maxima: generally >80°F (26.7°C) and usually >90°F (32.2°C).
1 Jan: 102.9°F (39.4°C).
2 Jan: 100°F (37.8°C).
17 Jan: 101.3°F (38.5°C).
18 Jan: 105°F (40.6°C).
Historical descriptions / observations
Adelaide Observer on 8 Feb 1890: ‘January, 1890, will long be remembered as a hot and trying month, not so much on account of the extreme heat—the thermometer has often ranged higher—as because the heat has been so continuous and oppressive…we have experienced an almost unbroken spell of hot sultry weather, the maximum temperature during the day… ranging over 80° and as a rule over 90°…the four hottest days were the 1st, 102.9°, 2nd, 100°; the 17th, 101.3°; and the 18th, 105°…’
South Australian Register 8 Feb 1890 reported impacts on the Police force: ‘In consideration of the hot weather the Commissioner has suspended the holding of parades, and has intimated that the foot constables may take the shady side of streets while on duty’. South
Australian Register 1 Mar 1890: ‘A large quantity of oysters beds died, owing chiefly to the hot weather that prevailed during the latter part of January’. Evening Journal (Adelaide) Fri 11 Feb 1887: ‘Yorketown, February 10 –A large fire is raging between here and Minlaton. The smoke is ascending in immense clouds. The weather is extremely hot’.
Source
23000