South Australian heatwave

As the 2008 Australian vintage progresses, temperatures in the wine state, South Australia, are a good 10 degrees C above average.

Over the last few days the mercury has hit 38.2 (Saturday), 38.3, 38.6, 39.7. 39.2, 38.2 and 40 deg C in Adelaide.  No let up was forecast for today either.

Phew! Those grapes must surely be shrivelling on the vine. Perhaps Richard Hemming can bring us up to date in his next Vintage in the (McLaren) Vale report on Wednesday.

Even the cool state of Victoria has been sweltering even if New South Wales has been less badly affected.