Asthma sufferers and those with other respiratory or cardiac problems have been told to stay indoors by South Australian health authorities with a dust storm forecast for much of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for central South Australia, with wind gusts of up to 100km/h creating a dust storm.

Adelaide, Port Lincoln, Whyalla, Ceduna and Port Augusta will be affected, the bureau says.

SA Health’s Chief Medical Officer Paddy Phillips said people with respiratory or cardiac conditions are advised to stay indoors and follow their personal management plans.

“If there is an associated dust storm with these winds, people with pre-existing illnesses such as asthma and respiratory problems may have their symptoms aggravated,” he said.

“We advise those people to avoid exposure to dust, stay indoors, take medication as usual and avoid exercise in areas of high dust.”

Asthma Australia urged sufferers to stay indoors with the windows closed, and to carry their reliever medication at all times.

“If there are adverse weather conditions involving a lot of dust in the air, people with asthma should be diligent to follow steps to minimise risks of a flare up,” Asthma Australia CEO Michele Goldman said in a statement.

“Remain indoors, keep reliever medication close at hand, follow their asthma action plan if they have one and consult a health professional if experiencing severe symptoms.”

Bureau of Meteorology supervising meteorologist Matt Collopy, said a combination of dry conditions and a vigorous front had the potential to produce raised dust over parts of the state.

“This July is the driest for South Australia since 1999 and that’s resulted in low soil-moisture levels across the state,” Mr Collopy said.