Prolonged late-summer heat across South Australia
Date
23–28 February 1860
Summary / Overview
An extended period of unusually hot weather affected several parts of South Australia in late February and early March 1860. Six consecutive days were reported without temperatures falling below 20°C. Contemporary reports from Gawler, Strathalbyn and Belvidere described persistent heat and dry conditions, while Robe Town reported warmer-than-usual conditions followed by cooler weather and showers on 2 March.
Meteorological data recorded at the time
Six consecutive days with no temperatures below 20°C.
Historical descriptions / observations
The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide) Sat 3 Mar 1860: ‘‘Gawler, February 29 –The weather has during the last week been very disagreeable, and today is cloudy and dusty, and the want of rain is greatly felt’. South Australian Weekly Chronicle (Adelaide) Sat 3 Mar 1860: ‘Strathalbyn, February 29 –The weather still continues hot, but as the barometer is falling, we may anticipate a change’. The South Australian Advertiser (Adelaide) Sat 3 Mar 1860: ‘Belvidere, March 2 – We are still suffering from the continued drought, and the weather for days past has been unusually hot for this season of the year.’ Adelaide Observer (SA) Sat 10 Mar 1860: ‘Robe Town, March 2 –The weather here during the past week has been rather warmer, and more seasonable than usual, but a change has taken place today, which has brought much cooler weather and occasional showers of rain’.
Source
Glaisher