Ben McBurney, 26 Dec 2012, 2:51 AM UTC
Perth to swelter through heatwave
Perth is set to endure a real taste of summer as it endures
potentially the hottest 7 day period on record.
The city is forecast to reach at least 38 degrees across the next six
days, with temperatures into the low 40's on Saturday and Sunday. On
Christmas Day, Perth also endured a scorching temperatures, as the
mercury soared to 40 degrees, which is 11 degrees above average.
If the Western Australia capital reaches at least 38 degrees over the
next 6 days, this will be the city's hottest 7 day period of
temperatures reaching at least 38 degrees on record. This would break
the previous record set over December 1964 and January 1965, where the
city endured 6 days in a row above this temperature.
Thunderstorms may provide some relief on Thursday and Friday during
the afternoon and evening, however hot easterly winds should prevent
seabreezes from bringing any cooling on most days.
Heatwaves can be dangerous causing dehydration, heat stroke and death,
particularly in children and the elderly. Therefore it is important to
stay hydrated and if possible be in air conditioned environments
during the hottest part of the day.
Unfortunately, relief looks like not arriving until at least New Years
Day, when temperatures drop into the more bearable low 30's.
Temperatures are likely to climb above 30 degrees each day into early
January.
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