SES Volunteer's Association of Western Australia Incorporated

“Together we can; Together we will”

22/12/2011 – Its going to be hot in the North

PILBARA residents are bracing for another searing day after Roebourne Airport recorded a sizzling 49C – the hottest December day on record in WA.  Mardie shared the scorching 49C top with Roebourne Airport, with the overnight temperature dipping to just 28.4C at 5.37am in Mardie.  The temperature dropped to just 27.4C at Roebourne Airport at 5.32am.

Pilbara residents can expect another scorcher today after sweltering through yesterday’s  stifling near 50C heat.  By 10am, at least two centres, Mardie and Onslow Airport, had topped 46C.  A Severe fire danger warning has been issued for the Gascoyne and coastal parts of the Pilbara, with extreme temperatures and hot dry winds forecast.

By 8am today, temperatures had already soared towards 40C across much of the region, with Mardie recording a staggering 42.6C at 8.03am. By 9am it was 44C.

Onslow was also baking with the temperature hitting 45.2C just after 9.30am at the airport, a few kilometres inland from the town.  Karratha had reached 41.6C at 7.55am.  Roebourne Airport recorded 39.4C at 7.20am with temperature set to saor into the 40Cs.  Marble Bar, Australia’s hottest town, officially recorded a high of 48.4C yesterday and can expect 47C today.  After an overnight minimum of 30.5C at 4.20am, the temperature had risen to 39.8C at 10.25am.  Roebourne is tipped to get another scorcher today of 45C.

How Mardie sweltered overnight:

  • 6pm: 36.7C
  • 8pm: 32.7C
  • 10pm: 31.3C
  • Midnight: 33C
  • 2am: 33.5C
  • 4am: 32.4C
  • 6am: 30.3C
  • 8am: 42.1C
  • 9am: 44C

Perth – Sunny 31C for Christmas Day.  Perth meanwhile can expect a relatively warm Christmas day although no records are likely to be broken.  The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a comfortable 31C for Christmas Day and 32C on Boxing Day, much cooler than last year.  Last year on Christmas Day Perth recorded a boiling 39.9C followed by 36.7C on Boxing Day.

Severe fire warning for Gascoyne, Pilbara
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a Severe Fire Danger Rating for Gascoyne and coastal parts of the Pilbara.
 
This includes:

  • Shire of  Ashburton – coastal part
  • Shire of  Carnarvon
  • Shire of  Cue
  • Shire of  Exmouth
  • Shire of  Meekatharra
  • Shire of  Menzies – the far west part
  • Shire of  Mount Magnet
  • Shire of  Murchison
  • Shire of  Roebourne
  • Shire of  Sandstone
  • Shire of  Shark Bay
  • Shire of  Upper Gascoyne
  • Shire of  Wiluna – western edge and the south west tip
  • Shire of  Yalgoo

 
Bushfires can threaten suddenly and without warning. Stay alert and watch for signs of fire, especially smoke and flames. Have your bushfire survival plan and kit ready.   Keep up to date with bushfire information through local radio, websites and TV. Do not wait for a warning before you act. If you see flames call triple zero.   These are very hot, dry and windy conditions for a bush or grass fire.

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