South Australia is heading into a heatwave, with Adelaide predicted to have four days with the mercury hitting 40 degrees Celsius or more. 

Today (Tuesday 17 December), Adelaide will hit 40; on Wednesday 18 December, there’ll be a high of 42, on Thursday, a high of 41 is expected; while on Friday, there is set to be a high of 44, before temperatures plunge to the mid 20s on the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast official 'heatwave' conditions for most of the state tomorrow (Tuesday 17 December) with a severe heatwave warning for Eastern Eyre Peninsula, West Coast, Flinders and North West Pastoral. Most of the remainder of the state, including Mount Lofty Ranges (Fleurieu Peninsula) and Kangaroo Island is listed as 'low intensity heatwave', except for the Lower and Upper South East, which have avoided the heatwave conditions.

Despite the low level heatwave forecast, if you’re looking for some relief from the heat, the good news is that the Fleurieu Peninsula, particularly the south coast, tends to avoid such extremes in weather. It’s one of the reasons the locals love it! So, if anyone has had the Fleurieu on their ‘to do’ list for a while, it might be the perfect time for visitors to come on down.

One notable exception to the ‘it’s cooler on the Fleurieu’ rule, however, is Strathalbyn. Located on the border of the Fleurieu and Adelaide Hills regions, it’s going to be sweltering this week. The high for Tuesday is 41 degrees; Wednesday, 43; Thursday, 37; and Friday, 45 - higher than Adelaide's predicted top.

Please see below our top tips for things to do to escape the heat on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Visit Victor Harbor

Temperatures in Victor Harbor this week are a little lower than those forecast for Adelaide, with a high of 36 on Tuesday, 41 on Wednesday and 29 on Thursday, although Friday is still set to be a stinker, with a high of 44 equalling Adelaide’s forecast. The forecast lows are lower too, with a low of just 15 on Tuesday and Thursday, and a low of 20 on Wednesday and Friday.

Grab an ice-cream from a local deli on Ocean Street, find out about the city’s whaling past at the SA Whale Centre, and have a go at swimming with the tuna and finding out about sea life off of Granite Island (please phone Oceanic Victor ensure they’re operating and have bookings available).

Victor Harbor is located not far from the gorgeous coastal delights of Port Elliot, Middleton and Goolwa so make sure you stop into these quaint townships if you have time.

Hop over to Kangaroo Island 

This week, KI’s the place to be for anyone looking to escape the heat. The forecast for Kingscote is 33 today (Tuesday), 38 on Wednesday, 29 on Thursday and 37 on Friday. 

Kangaroo Island is all about its produce, so make sure you book an air conditioned apartment (and an air conditioned hire car), and go out and forage for the best wine, honey, baked goods and other delicious things that you can find.

Kangaroo Island is accessed by air or sea (Sealink ferry).

Head to a local library

The region is fortunate to have some brilliant (air-conditioned!) libraries to visit, with great kids’ activities, and facilities to keep you entertained and educated while you stay cool.

They’re no longer ageing book depositories - they are stunning spaces where (in many cases) you can read magazines, play games, take part in workshops, hire out toys or audiobooks, and connect with your community. Many libraries have special school holiday activities at this time of year.

For information about local libraries on the Fleurieu, visit the respective local councils’ websites:

City of Onkaparinga

Alexandrina Council

City of Victor Harbor

District Council of Yankalilla

Catch a movie

A couple of hours chilling in a cinema with a cool drink and popcorn in hand sound good to you? Check out what’s on at Victor Harbor’s traditional picture theatre, Victa Cinema in Ocean Street, or try Wallis Cinema at Noarlunga. 

Go to the beach

The Fleurieu has some gorgeous beaches that will be a perfect hangout spot this week. Port Noarlunga has a great jetty that you can hide out under on your beach towel and lots of nearby cafes. You are allowed to drive down onto the beaches at Moana and Sellicks Beach (just watch out for boggy sections!) Carrickalinga is an award-winning, unspoiled beach, while Port Elliot is a favourite with families, being very sheltered and with a lovely lawn area nearby. Make sure you’re sun smart with hats, sunscreen and a beach shade if you have one and take water for yourselves and any pets. Always heed warnings and instructions on signs.

Go to the pool

If sand and salt water aren’t for you, try visiting one of the Fleurieu’s aquatic centres.

The Fleurieu Aquatic Centre, located between Victor Harbor and Middleton, is the region's newest facility. There is also a public swimming pool at Strathalbyn. Noarlunga Leisure Centre has indoor swimming facilities.

Get some retail therapy

It might be a good chance to stay indoors and do some shopping this week, to finish off (or start) your Christmas shopping. Aldinga Central Shopping Centre is a cool, comfy place to look around, and Colonnades Shopping Centre at Noarlunga hosts many of the major brands, while Victor Central Shopping Centre is another option for local shopping.

There are also shopping centres at Seaford and McLaren Vale.

Go to the region’s new water park!

If you’re staying at the Beachside Holiday Park in Normanville, you’re in for a treat as it has just opened a new water park! Featuring huge slides and a jungle theme, the park is exclusively for guests. Check out the photos - it looks amazing.

Meanwhile, the SES has supplied the following tips for keeping yourself and others safe during a heatwave

• The very young, older people and those who are already unwell are most at risk - check on them regularly.
• Never leave children, or pets, alone in a car and make sure your pets and animals have shade and water too.
• Keep cool and drink plenty of water, even if you are not feeling thirsty.
• Cool your home as much as possible: turn fans and air-conditioners on early in the day to stop the heat from building up.
• With even hotter weather on the way, plan now for how you will manage: make sure you have enough food, water, medications and pet food so you will not needto go out in the heat.

Health information:

• If you are feeling unwell, contact your local doctor.
• For immediate medical attention telephone 000 (triple zero).
• To register for the Telecross REDi service telephone 1800 188 071.