Record-breaking December heatwave brings prolonged extreme temperatures, heat-related deaths and widespread distress across South Australia

South Australian Register 29 Dec 1897: ‘On communicating with the Observatory on Tuesday evening we were informed by the Government Astronomer that this month bids to be the hottest December in our records… the almost continuous heat experienced for more than the past fortnight has for December no parallel in our records. It is true that in past years the thermometer has occasionally read higher than 110.8°, but in no previous year has there been such a continued spell of hot weather… The present extraordinary state of things is probably due to the fact that there is a body of hot air imprisoned over the colony, and there has been no movement of the atmosphere sufficiently strong to shift it. The high pressures coming along the Southern Ocean bring south winds with them, but for the last fortnight or more they have not been of sufficient strength to force these cool breezes inland, and the heated air that has been all over the interior and the northern parts of the colony has maintained its position’.

The Advertiser Wed 29 Dec 1897: ‘The hottest Commemoration Day on record—such is the official intimation as to yesterday’s temperature. Weather records have been kept in Adelaide for forty years now, and never during that period has the thermometer on the birthday of the province corns within live degrees of the present experience. Most appropriate did it seem yesterday that a seaside town should be the scene of the day’s great festival. The effect of a swim may be only temporary, but it is thorough while it endures, and the ordinary domestic bath is but a poor substitute. The possession of a private thermometer is a doubtful boon. ‘Human nature is such that a man will support life better, in happy ignorance of the statistical level of his suffering, than if he were aware of the mercury having soared to some phenomenal height… The remarkable figures supplied by Sir Charles Todd, and set forth in detail in another column, will therefore have a fascination for all, and it is safe to say that no item of news published this morning will be so universally read and discussed… ‘when the mercury reaches its “century ” there must be a really uncomfortable experience for everyone. One such day can be struggled with; but six of them in a fortnight, three in succession—that is a thing to bring limpness to all mankind… But after prolonged heat such as that now being experienced the buildings are quite warmed through, and everyone must be resigned to suffer with as good a grace as possible. Already there is manifested on all sides the really distressing thirst that cannot be quenched. It is easy to tell the victims that incessant drinking will do them no good; but it can hardly be expected that they will heed.’

The Advertiser Wed 29 Dec 1897: ‘It might be considered cruel to discuss the weather— if it could be forgotten just now most South Australians, indeed it could safely a said all would be happier but under the circumstances it is the chief topic of conversation, exasperating though it be. This has been called “an age of record breaking,” and it would almost seem as if this colony were bent on breaking its heat record. Yesterday did something towards this end and provided the hottest Commemoration Day known… Houses, even of the most substantial construction, are now baked through, and it will be some days, even under the most favourable circumstances, before they can get comfortably cool’.

South Australian Register Fri 31 Dec 1897: ‘This has been the hottest December known in the colony. Those who have lived in Adelaide during the last week will believe it. They have reason to know it, but the figures are worth placing on record if only to tempt the weather to attempt to break the record of 1897. May Heaven preserve us from being here when the ‘scorchers’ try to add a few degrees to the total… The abnormal heat has severely taxed the ice making machinery in the city… The effects of the heat were more marked on Thursday, and numerous deaths, particularly of old people, were recorded. The medical fraternity were very busy attending to patients. At the Destitute Asylum five old people died on Thursday and three on the previous day… Six cases of death from the effects of the heat were reported to the police on Thursday… The doctors report many cases of sudden death brought about by the heat. One of the leaders in the profession said he was called to four fatal cases on Thursday and nearly a dozen others where the patients recovered…. A large number of children had been affected. They were brought round by sponging the body and applying ice to the head’.

Evening Journal (Adelaide) Thu 30 Dec 1897: ‘In and around Adelaide on Wednesday the absorbing topic was the long-continued and oppressive heat. The hotels and restaurants drove a merry trade in dispensing cooling beverages… Grocers and restaurant keepers are unanimous regarding the output of cordials and preserved stuffs. Nothing else seems to be asked for, remarked one merchant. “Our butter and eggs are practically dead stock, but our tinned meats, preserves, lime juice & co are nearly sold out…. Thousands flocked to the seaside in the evening, but with the wind from the land it was little cooler than in the city…. With this weather so intense and continuously hot, it is not surprising to hear of sudden deaths from heat apoplexy.’ Port Pirie, Wednesday: The weather today has been fearfully hot, the thermometer registering 115° in the shade! We have now had a long spell of very trying weather, and there is no present prospect of a change. Gawler, Wednesday: The weather is exceedingly trying. On Christmas Day the shade temperature was 96° on Sunday 108°, on Monday 105°, yesterday 113° and today it is 110°. Three infants died yesterday, and the cause of death has been assigned in each instance as heat apoplexy. All the houses are thoroughly heated, and what to eat and drink and how to sleep are domestic problems of a very difficult character.

The Advertiser Fri 31 Dec 1897: ‘The obituary columns of The Advertiser have during the pass few days recorded an unusual number of deaths—most of whom have been either young …until today inclusive 65 deaths have been announced… The hot weather has had a most disastrous effect upon the animals at the Zoo, and several valuable animals have been lost. On Wednesday the drill monkey, one of the most rare and costly specimens in the gardens, died, although Mr Minchin and his assistants spent two hours trying to save its life. The two seals…also succumbed, as well as a number of small birds, Mr. Minchin says he has never seen the carnivores in such a state of distress. They will not eat anything and are reduced to a state of weakness which is pitiful to observe. On Thursday he placed bags in front of the various cages and houses, and the caretakers spent their time hosing them in order to reduce the temperature’.