Fundamental understandings of a weather map…

Barometric pressure is measured on maps in isobars. They look surprisingly similar to contour lines on maps, and join together points of equal air pressure. Wind runs parallel to isobars and wind intensity can be measured by the closeness of isobars (the closer the isobars, the stronger the wind).

High pressure systems rotate anti-clockwise and slightly outwards, are generally stable, are big, fat and relatively stubborn. They contain air that has been warmed up and is sinking, and tends to hold onto most of its moisture. In general, think fine, stable weather. Low pressure systems rotate clockwise slightly inwards, are generally unstable and smaller, uptight and aggressive, moving through quickly and with impact. They contain rising air that is continually cooling and unable to hold onto it’s moisture. In general, think cooler, windy weather with a greater chance of rain.

With this in mind, both types of weather systems will pick up moisture over the ocean, and will be without moisture if rotating over land. Consider this…. Northerlies in Adelaide are generally hot and dry, (‘straight off Uluru’) and southerlies are cold and wet (‘straight off Antarctica’).

In Southern Australia weather generally moves from west to east.

Fronts are where 2 different air masses meet. They generally indicate a change (for the worse) in the weather. South Australia generally sees only cold fronts. TAKE NOTICE!

Fire Restrictions

The South Australian bushwalking season is from 1 April to 30 November. Fire Bans are issued on days of extreme fire danger. Parks and forests are closed on days of extreme fire danger, please respect these warnings. Fire ban information is available on most weather reports and from National Parks and the Country Fire Service (CFS). The CFS hotline/information number is 1300 362 361.

Bushwalking in South Australia is best done in autumn, winter and spring. We have hot, dry summers that make the bush not only uncomfortable to bushwalk in, but positively dangerous due to the real risk of bushfire.

In the event of fire

If you see smoke while out walking in the bush, leave the area and report it.

While evading, keep to tracks and trails if possible.You will move more quickly and may find help from fire fighters.

Should you be trapped in a bushfire, your two major threats come form radiated heat from the fire, and poor decision making through panic. Try to stay calm to make good decisions. The most intense radiation will only last one or two minutes as the fire front passes.

To maximise your chances, you will have to try to find cover. Cover as much of your exposed skin as possible. Consider sheltering behind or under rocks, trees, ditches, fallen logs or creek washouts. Think about what you are wearing, ensure it is not flammable!

Before the fire arrives, if possible, stock up your water supplies and drink as much as you can. The heat will seriously dehydrate you.Wet a cloth to cover your nose, mouth and eyes from the intense smoke and superheated air.

Do not try to run through flames unless it is small and you are wearing exceptional protective clothing.

Never climb into water tanks. Once immersed in water, the body will quickly absorb heat from the water. If the ambient air temperature is in the high thirties and a bushfire raises the temperature of the water a further ten degrees, the water/body temperature will be deadly.

Remember… Fires burn quickly uphill and on ridgetops, and usually move slowly downhill. OBSERVE FIRE BANS!