South Australia Braces for Heavy Rain After Months of Extreme Dryness
South Australia is bracing for heavy rain and thunderstorms from Sunday, following weeks of unusually dry and hot conditions. A Flood Watch has been issued for large areas, including remote towns and the Flinders Ranges. Authorities are warning residents to prepare as the state faces its first significant downpour in months.
The State Emergency Service has advised homeowners to clear roof gutters to prevent stormwater from flooding properties. Adelaide and southern districts may see between 2mm and 15mm of rain in just a few hours on Sunday. This follows a summer of extreme dryness, with only 6.2mm recorded since December 2025.
December 2025 saw just 2.8mm of rain in Adelaide, while January brought a mere 3.4–3.6mm. Temperatures have also been unusually high, with overnight minimums in January sitting 0.9°C to 2.5°C above average. On February 16, 2026, the city reached 37.3°C, with readings staying above 30°C well after midnight.
The Flood Watch covers vast regions, including Oodnadatta, Coober Pedy, and Woomera. While exact population figures for these areas are unavailable, the warning highlights the potential for flash flooding in both urban and remote locations.
The incoming rain could bring much-needed relief after months of dry weather. However, the sudden downpour may also cause localised flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Residents are being urged to stay alert and follow safety advice as the system moves across the state.
