Climate Risk Assessment for Cleve, SA

Cleve, South Australia· Cleve· 5640
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Cleve is a rural town in South Australia that faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires and heatwaves. Flooding is a potential concern, while coastal risks are negligible due to its inland location. Residents should prepare for increasing temperatures and potential bushfire events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Cleve

stable

Flood

40/100

Flooding is a potential concern in Cleve, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Local drainage systems may be overwhelmed, leading to localised flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Heavy rainfall events
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Cleve faces a moderate risk of bushfires due to the surrounding vegetation and dry climate. Hot, dry summers increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry climate
  • ·Surrounding vegetation
increasing

Heat

60/100

Cleve experiences high temperatures during summer, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Cleve is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Inland location
stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — gusty northerly winds

stable

Storm

24/100

Moderate storm risk — occasional thunderstorms

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — summer cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Cleve

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Cleve experiences high temperatures during summer, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Flooding is a potential concern in Cleve, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Local drainage systems may be overwhelmed, leading to localised flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Heavy rainfall events
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Cleve is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Inland location

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Cleve faces a moderate risk of bushfires due to the surrounding vegetation and dry climate. Hot, dry summers increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry climate
  • ·Surrounding vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to bushfire and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increasing climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check for bushfire protection measures.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review local flood maps and drainage systems.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and drainage systems
Elevation Range
Relatively flat terrain
Flood Zone
Areas near creeks and drainage lines

Localised flooding can occur during periods of heavy rainfall.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Surrounded by native vegetation
Planning Overlay
CFS Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is prone to bushfires due to dry vegetation and hot summers.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

High temperatures are common during summer months.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
50 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2019
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Cleve caused property damage and required emergency response.

Source
2013
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in Cleve, affecting some residential areas.

Source
2009
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in South Australia caused heat stress and health concerns in Cleve.

Source
2023
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the Eyre Peninsula region, with Cleve experiencing increased smoke haze and fire danger warnings.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

HazardToday20302050
flood404.2(+0.2)4.4(+0.4)
bushfire606.8(+0.8)7.5(+1.5)
heat606.7(+0.7)7.4(+1.4)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Cleve is projected to experience an increase in bushfire risk and heatwave intensity under a high emissions scenario. Flooding risk may also slightly increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a community bushfire plan

Immediate

Create a plan to prepare for and respond to bushfires, including evacuation routes and community shelters.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve building standards for heat resilience

Near-term

Implement building codes that promote energy efficiency and reduce heat absorption, such as insulation and reflective roofing.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Upgrade drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of localised flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement a heatwave early warning system

Immediate

Develop a system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water through education and incentives to ensure water security during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Cleve's Climate Risk Profile

Cleve, located in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia, is primarily at risk from bushfires and heatwaves. The dry climate and surrounding vegetation create conditions conducive to bushfires, particularly during the hot summer months. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions, leading to more frequent and intense bushfire events.

Heatwaves are also a significant concern for Cleve. The town experiences high temperatures during summer, which can pose a risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, further increasing the risk to public health.

Flooding is a less significant but still relevant risk for Cleve. Heavy rainfall events can overwhelm local drainage systems, leading to localised flooding. While not as frequent or severe as bushfires or heatwaves, flooding can still cause damage to property and disrupt daily life.

Due to its inland location, Cleve does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion. However, the town may be indirectly affected by climate change impacts on the broader region, such as changes in agricultural productivity or increased migration from coastal areas.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · CFS

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Cleve?

The main climate risks in Cleve are bushfires, heatwaves, and localised flooding. The town is particularly vulnerable to bushfires due to the dry climate and surrounding vegetation.

How will climate change affect Cleve?

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires and heatwaves in Cleve. Rainfall patterns may also change, leading to more intense rainfall events and increased flood risk.

What can I do to prepare for bushfires in Cleve?

You can prepare for bushfires by creating a bushfire survival plan, clearing vegetation around your home, and ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Cleve?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbours and family members.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Cleve?

Information about emergency services in Cleve can be found on the Country Fire Service (CFS) website and the Cleve District Council website.

Is my property in Cleve at risk of flooding?

Properties near creeks and drainage lines are at higher risk of flooding. Check the Cleve District Council's flood maps for more information.

Get your property's risk report

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections