·

Perth in a firm grip of an intense heat wave after 83 years, Western Australia

perth-in-a-firm-grip-of-an-intense-heat-wave-after-83-years-western-australia

A strong heat wave has been holding a firm grip on Perth in Western Australia over the last couple of days. Temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F) were measured for the fourth day in a row on February 10, 2016. Such weather conditions were only recorded 83 years ago, in exactly the same time period.

The intense heat wave, caused by an "unusually stagnant" weather system, as reported by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) experts, began on February 7 with mercuries rising to 40.4 °C (104.7 °F). A man's feet suffered second-degree burns from his walk on the hot beach sand, and he was treated at the St John Ambulance WA, according to media reports.

Mean Sea Level Pressure, Australia, February 10, 2016, 12:00 UTC. Image credit: BOM

The highest temperature of 43.5 °C (110.3 °F) was reported on February 8. The hot day resulted in a hospitalization of an older woman who was playing golf on the occasion. Temperatures dropped to 41 °C (105.8 °F) on the following day, however, two other cases of heat exhaustion were reported in the affected region.

Surface temperatures, Australia, February 10, 2016, 12:00 UTC. Image credit: BOM

40.3 °C (104.5 °F) was recorded at the weather station in central Perth at 11.30 am on February 10 (local time). Later in the afternoon, temperatures dropped a little under the influence of the light sea breeze.

In total, 12 cases of hospitalization were reported during the heat wave episode by the midday of February 10.

Relative humidity, Australia, February 10, 2016, 12:00 UTC. Image credit: BOM

According to Karl Brunckhorst, a BOM forecaster, this was the longest reported run of temperatures in the 40s °C (104 °F) in Perth since 1933, during the exact same timeframe.

February 10 was the seventh day in Perth with temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F), which set a new record for the city, the temperatures of which are usually in the range of the low to mid-30s °C (86 °F).

According to Brunckhorst, the heat wave will most likely cease, and temperatures are expected to drop to a maximum of 38 °C (100.4 °F) by February 11: " We’re expecting it to cool a little bit, as much as cool is the appropriate word."

On the other hand, the Marble Bar town, generally known as the warmest place in the Western Australia, can expect a week of temperatures soaring above 45 °C (113 °F). 47 °C (116.6 °F). Over the coming two days, mercuries will likely rise up to 48 °C (118.4 °F), and then start to fall gradually during the next few days.

Featured image: Surface temperatures, Australia, February 10, 2016, 12:00 UTC. Image credit: BOM

Share:

Commenting rules and guidelines

We value the thoughts and opinions of our readers and welcome healthy discussions on our website. In order to maintain a respectful and positive community, we ask that all commenters follow these rules:

  • Treat others with kindness and respect.
  • Stay on topic and contribute to the conversation in a meaningful way.
  • Do not use abusive or hateful language.
  • Do not spam or promote unrelated products or services.
  • Do not post any personal information or content that is illegal, obscene, or otherwise inappropriate.

We reserve the right to remove any comments that violate these rules. By commenting on our website, you agree to abide by these guidelines. Thank you for helping to create a positive and welcoming environment for all.

2 Comments

  1. Seriously even Midnight Oil sing about WA and NT being in 45 degrees, LOL , intense heatwave . WA gets to 50 c people. In the 80s and the 90s, 45 in Sydney was expected. It barely get 30 now and the media screams heatwave to justify more taxes, doesn’t 45-30 say less temp not more but cogitative dissonance rules supreme and irrationality reigns. Remember what it was like remember…….45 is a normal temp for summer in WA.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *