While Adelaide is yet to crack 40 degrees this month, every day in the past week has reached 40 degrees in Roxby Downs.

The highest maximum of 43 was recorded on Sunday.

With a top of 44 forecast today, residents will have to wait longer than the rest of the State for relief from the heatwave.

Local resident Adam Brown said it seemed to be getting hotter in Roxby Downs and there were less cool changes.

“My power bill has gone through the roof because my air conditioner is constantly on.

“I have to walk my dog Blaze late at night now so he doesn’t get too hot.”

A catastrophic bushfire danger warning was issued yesterday in the North West Pastoral district, which includes Roxby Downs, for the first time yesterday.

Prompted by the extreme weather conditions, the warning advised people to leave their home and 11 schools were closed in the district.

It was the first time the warning had been used in Australia and came as result of the Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria this year.

On the weekend the BHP Billiton Family Day had to be rescheduled to avoid scorching afternoon temperatures.

Sporting events, including night tennis, were cancelled.

Weather Channel meteorologist Tom Saunders said heatwaves were unusual for November because of frequent cold fronts crossing southeastern Australia.

However he expects a cool change to bring some relief.

“The heat will be accompanied by low humidity and fresh winds on Wednesday and Thursday, leading to severe fire danger for most of the State.

“A cold front should cross South Australia on Friday, so we are expecting much cooler temperatures Statewide by the weekend.”

So far this month, the average maximum temperature is 5.6 degrees higher than past combined maximum averages.

The World Meteorological Organi­sation defines a heatwave as when the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees for five consecutive days.