An unseasonable warm airmass lingering in the northwest has brought October-like temperatures breaking previous record August heat during the last week of winter.

Port Hedland has seen daytime temperatures exceeding its previous August record (36.8 degrees in 1962) several days this week. The warmth peaked on Friday, with the mercury reaching 39.0 degrees, which represents 10 degrees above average. It is worth mentioning the measurements at the airport started as far back as 1948.

Broome, with more than 80 years of registration, hit the previous record (37.8 degrees in 1995) during two back-to-back days on Thursday and Friday, with staggering 38.6 and 38.5 degrees, respectively. Not surprisingly, Marble Bar has experienced its hottest August week with maxima surpassing 36 degrees every day since last Sunday. 

The Top End has not escaped from the unusual winter heat. Darwin has registered 35 degrees or above on 4 days so far this month, doubling the previous record in 2017 and 1998.

Image: Hot airmass affecting the northwest of Australia

The baking heat will continue over the weekend in the Kimberley and Pilbara whereas it will take a brief break in the Northern Territory as hot and dry southeasterly winds will gradually ease.