Relentless heat in Western Australia sets December record run in Perth.

Just before 10am this morning, the mercury in Perth reached 36 degrees for the sixth day running. This spell of heat marks the city’s earliest six-day run of heat at or above 36 degrees since 1931.

Following this, just after 11:30am, temperatures in Perth tipped over 40 degrees for the third day in a row. This is the first time this feat occurs in December according to known records.

Elsewhere in the state, temperatures in Geraldton have reached 41 degrees for the 5th day in a row now, and reached 40 degrees for the 4th day in a row at Gingin.

Very hot, dry air is being drawn to the western coast by a low pressure trough to the west, and a broad region of high pressure over the centre of the country. These conditions have brought about elevated Fire Danger Ratings across much of the state today, including one Extreme for the Lower West Inland and 19 Severe Ratings.

In relief for the west of Australia, this heat is due to migrate towards the east over the coming days, bringing intense heatwave conditions to Adelaide and Canberra.