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Red hot in the Red Centre

Alice Springs has sweltered through one of its longest hot spells on record, but relief from the heat just around the corner.

Wednesday was Alice Springs' hottest October day in 10 years. The scorching top of 41 degrees marks their eighth day in a row of temperatures above 38, which is an October record.

This is not just rare for October it is rare for spring. Only once in the 70 years of records has there been a longer run of 38-degree heat in spring, in November 2006, when there were 11 consecutive days.

The current state of sea surface temperatures over the Indian Ocean is leading to less evaporation and cloudiness over central Australia, allowing heat to build and keeping the Red Centre dry.

No rainfall has been recorded in Alice Springs this month, leaving vegetation dehydrated. To add to the extreme heat, dry gusty winds have lead to extreme fire danger in the region during the past week.

A reprieve from the scorching heat is on the way, thanks to a low pressure trough crossing central Australia. Tomorrow will warm to the low thirties, with a possibility of refreshing thundery showers. Further showers are then expected on Friday with cooler southerly winds bringing a top of just 24 degrees.

Temperatures will reach the high twenties over the weekend before heat starts to build again early next week, bringing another run of hot days.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2012

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