Overview
- Perth reached 42.1C on Christmas Day, its hottest since 2021 but shy of the 42.8C mark set that year.
- The Bureau of Meteorology confirmed Cape Leeuwin hit 39.6C, breaking a 120-year December maximum, and Windy Harbour reached 38C, a 39-year high for December.
- Western Australia accounted for the 15 hottest locations on the planet that day, led by Geraldton at about 44C.
- Roebourne, Bullsbrook, Lancelin and Marble Bar were among other WA towns near the top of the global heat list with peaks between 41.8C and 42.4C.
- Tens of thousands sought relief at beaches and waterways, and forecasts point to temperatures easing to the high 20s from Boxing Day, rising to low–mid 30s early next week.