The highest mean maximum temperature ever was recorded for WA this January, with hot temperatures looking to continue for the remainder of summer.

Western Australia, like all states this January has felt temperatures soar, with the western state recording its highest mean maximum temperature ever; 2.3 degrees above the usual average for January. Extreme temperatures were felt across the state with Marble Bar reaching 49 degrees on January 13th and Eucla 48.6 degrees on the 23rd, the hottest January day with 100 years of records for the region.

Low rainfall also saw WA experience its driest January since 2005, with rainfall 41% below average for the month. As a result bushfires were a common occurrence particularly for Eucla, Pilbara and Goldfields regions.

The hot weather looks to continue throughout February, with low pressure troughs directing heat from the interior to all areas of the state. Intermittent cold fronts should provide temporary relief in between hot spells, however temperatures look to remain above average for the rest of the month, particularly for inland areas.

There is currently an Extreme Fire Danger rating for Eucla and a Severe Fire Danger rating for Ashburton Inland, Exmouth Gulf Coast and Goldfields. For more information on these warnings visit http://www.weatherzone.com.au/warnings.jsp