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Peak winds ahead for SA

Willemien Phelan, Wednesday September 5, 2012 - 11:19 EST

South Australia was battered by high winds yesterday and even stronger winds are expected for today.

In Adelaide yesterday, northerly winds were gusting up to 50km/h and drew a very warm airmass into the city. The temperature climbed to 27 degrees, which was eight above the September average and was the warmest day since May.

The northerly winds were strongest on exposed locations of SA's coast. The highest gust was recorded at Cape Willoughby on Kangaroo Island, which blew to 102km/h at 10am yesterday with sustained winds of 70km/h.

The high winds developed ahead of an approaching cold front, which has crossed the state this morning. The winds abated with the passage of the front but are expected to increase again from mid morning as a low pressure system deepens over the Bight.

A severe weather warning has been issued for most districts in the southern half of SA, warning residents that westerly winds will increase to 50-70km/h with localised gusts of 100km/h. In addition to these severe winds, thunderstorms are also pushing over the coast with the arrival of a cold airmass.

The colder airmass will bring a stark contrast to yesterday's warmth. The mercury will hover in the low to mid teens in Adelaide today. Westerly winds will make it feel even colder with a wind chill factor.

- Weatherzone

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