Clouds Gather as Fire Risks Peak in the Ranges

Overview for Tuesday, 31 March 2026

Adelaide is set for a complex day of weather this Tuesday, as residents prepare for a combination of unseasonably warm temperatures, increasing cloud cover, and a shift toward wet conditions by nightfall. The city will experience a maximum temperature of 27°C, significantly higher than the overnight low of 18°C. While the metropolitan area remains dry for most of the daylight hours, the primary concern for the region today is a serious fire weather alert issued for the surrounding hills.

Morning: A Mild and Clear Start

The morning hours will offer the most pleasant conditions of the day. Early risers can expect temperatures to sit around 18°C to 19°C under relatively clear skies. As the sun rises, the temperature will climb steadily, reaching approximately 23°C by mid-morning. Humidity levels are expected to remain low, hovering near 33%, making for a crisp but warm start to the working week's second day. Winds will remain light during this period, though a shift in direction is anticipated as the afternoon approaches.

Afternoon: Peak Heat and Increasing Clouds

By the afternoon, Adelaide will hit its peak of 27°C. During this time, the sky will begin to transition from clear to increasingly cloudy. While the chance of rain remains low at just 10% during the daytime, the atmosphere will begin to feel heavier as moisture levels rise. Residents in the suburbs should expect a warm, overcast afternoon that may feel slightly more humid than the morning hours. This peak in temperature coincides with heightened environmental risks in the rural fringes of the city.

Evening and Night: Rain on the Horizon

The weather takes a definitive turn as we move into the evening. The probability of precipitation jumps significantly to 55% after sunset. Light rain is predicted to move across the metropolitan area, providing some relief from the day's warmth but potentially creating slick conditions on the roads for late-night commuters. Temperatures will settle back down toward 19°C, with humidity rising to roughly 56% overnight.

Critical Weather Warnings

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued an Extreme Fire Weather Warning for the Mount Lofty Ranges, effective from midnight Tuesday through to midnight Wednesday. The combination of 27°C heat, low daytime humidity, and dry fuel loads has created a dangerous environment in the ranges. Residents in these areas are urged to monitor local alerts and review their bushfire survival plans. Additionally, while no major flooding is expected in the city, those traveling north should remain aware of ongoing inland flood watches that persist in parts of the state's interior.

• Maximum Temperature: 27°C
• Minimum Temperature: 18°C
• Daytime Rain Chance: 10%
• Evening Rain Chance: 55%
• Warning: Extreme Fire Weather Warning (Mount Lofty Ranges)