Experts are warning locals that a potentially difficult bushfire season could be on the way, with dry conditions and a higher chance of heatwaves on the cards for regional South Australia.
Despite their reluctance to officially declare an El Niño event, the Bureau of Meteorology are forecasting El Niño type conditions, meaning lower rainfall totals and higher average temperatures.
Other organisations across the globe have already declared an El Niño event, however senior climatologist Johnathan Pollock says it’s all about timing for the BOM.
“Each of the agencies have a slightly different way of monitoring the conditions,” Pollock says.
“Generally speaking, they tailor their declarations to the timing of its impact locally.”
Preventative measures such as gutter cleaning, water maintenance and landscaping are recommended, along with making sure a bushfire action plan is ready in case of emergency.
Listen below to Johnathan Pollock’s interview with ARN‘s Chris Guscott on Around SA.