Western Australia's capital has sizzled its way into the history books, officially recording its hottest start to a summer in nearly five decades.
A Scorching Day for the History Books
On Monday, December 1, the mercury in Perth climbed to a blistering 37.8 degrees Celsius, setting a new record for the hottest first day of summer. The intense heat had already made its presence felt by mid-morning, with temperatures reaching 31C around 9am as people arrived at work, before peaking in the early afternoon.
This new milestone shatters the previous December 1 record of 37.4C, which was set 46 years ago. The significant jump underscores the intense weather system that settled over the Swan River city.
Official Warnings and Community Advice
Ahead of the scorching conditions, Premier Roger Cook issued a stern warning to residents, urging them to take the summer heat seriously. "The sun will get you, it is hot, and if it doesn't burn you it will dehydrate you significantly, so take care," Mr Cook said on Sunday.
He placed particular emphasis on water safety during the hot season. "And particularly if you're in and around some of our great water playgrounds, please take care, particularly in the open ocean, because this coastline can be deadly."
Cool Relief on the Horizon
For locals seeking respite, the Bureau of Meteorology forecast offers some promising news. A significant cooldown is expected to follow the record-breaking heat.
The forecast for the coming week is as follows:
- Tuesday: Partly cloudy, 18-29C
- Wednesday: Sunny, 16-25C
- Thursday: Sunny, 13-26C
- Friday: Mostly sunny, 13-25C
- Saturday: Sunny, 15-28C
- Sunday: Sunny, 15-29C
- Monday: Sunny, 15-28C
This rapid shift from extreme heat to more moderate conditions is a welcome change for the city, providing relief and a chance to recover from the intense start to the summer season.
