Anthony Duke, 28 Feb 2015, 1:46 AM UTC
Scorching summer across WA
This summer has been in the top three hottest summers on record for much of WA.
As the austral summer draws to an end, many places across the state have seen their hottest February on record. Some towns like Leonora and Laverton saw daytime temperatures five-six degrees above average. Only five weather stations recorded below average daytime temperatures.
In the south, Kalgoorlie endured what is shaping up to be its third hottest summer (combining maximum and minimum temperatures). If the mercury reaches its forecast maximum today, February will have been the hottest in 72 years. Particularly warm nights averaged three degrees warmer than usual.
In the Pilbara, Port Hedland is on course for its hottest February in 65 years of records, contributing to what will have been its second hottest summer. The town sweltered through five days of temperatures of greater than 45 degrees, with two days reaching 46.7 degrees.
Despite the warmth, Perth will have its coolest summer in five years despite still ranking in the top 20 warmest summers.
As we head into autumn, climate indications suggest temperatures will settle closer to average across most of inland WA. Warmer than normal sea temperatures are likely to contribute to a milder than normal season for coastal areas of western and southern WA.
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