Weather News

Perth sweats through early spring warmth

Perth has been experiencing near-record early spring warmth, accelerating the first beads of perspiration of the season.

The temperature reached 29.3 degrees on Sunday afternoon, nine degrees above the September average and the warmest day since April. This is also the warmest it has been this early in spring since 1994.

In the early spring of 1994 it reached 29.5 degrees in the city, also on the 9th of September. This was the city's warmest day this early in the season in more than 120 years of records.

This heat is being drawn into the Perth area by northerly winds, from the Pilbara and Kimberley, where record August heat was experienced.

Perth reaching 29 degrees may come as a shock to some. It is 10 degrees warmer than two days ago and 13 degrees warmer than five days ago.

For the visiting North Melbourne AFL team it will be a real test as they confront West Coast Eagles at Subiaco in the Elimination Final. They have come from a wet and windy 15 degrees in Melbourne to energy-sapping warm sunshine.

For spectators it may be relatively pleasant as long they're suitably dressed, although some would prefer the beach, where the cooler sea breeze is already taking over. By 1pm the beaches had cooled to about 25 degrees. The sea breeze will bring similar cooling to Subiaco, but it may only arrive late in the game.

Looking further ahead, a significantly cooler change will move through Perth during Monday, possibly bringing a few showers and holding the temperature under 23 degrees. Tuesday and Wednesday will be cooler still with maximum temperatures near 20 degrees. Unfortunately, very little rain will fall. The city can only expect five millimetres or less.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2012

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