South Australia is bracing for a day of high fire risk as the unseasonably hot and dry conditions prompt an extension of the bushfire season across much of the state.
The Country Fire Service says nine districts will have their seasons extended by two weeks, taking some to the middle of May.
Both the CFS and the Bureau of Meteorology have warned that any fires sparked on Friday could spread rapidly, fanned by strong winds and temperatures pushing into the mid-30s.
Severe bushfire conditions have been declared in eight districts, from the west coast to the lower southeast.
Bureau spokeswoman Mika Peace said the highest risk of fires would be across the Eyre and Yorke peninsulas and through the Adelaide Hills.
"With the lack of rainfall over the last few months, conditions are very dry so any fires can spread rapidly," she said.
Ms Peace said a severe weather warning was also expected for parts of the state because of potentially damaging winds which would lead to raised dust across a wide area.
A cool change was expected to move across SA during Friday bringing much milder conditions over the weekend.
CFS chief officer Greg Nettleton said the decision to extend the bushfire season in some districts was a reflection of the continued risk which would remain until there was substantial rainfall.
"We would require rainfall of more than 180mm, combined with milder autumn conditions, before we are likely to see a reduction in the risk in many areas," Mr Nettleton said.
"In many areas, trees and bushland are stressed due to the hot, dry summer."
