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Thursday, 1 July 2010 MEDIA RELEASE - WESTERN AUSTRALIAN REGIONAL OFFICE Record warmth equalled for Western AustraliaWestern Australia has just equalled its warmest 12 month period since records began. Western Australia's average temperature during the 12 months to the end of June was 23.55°C, matching the previous record of 23.55°C set between October 2004 and September 2005. It is the third state to set or equal such a record in 2009-2010, following similar records set in Victoria and Tasmania for the twelve months to end of April. Temperatures in Western Australia have been consistently above average throughout the 12 month period. All 12 months were warmer than the long-term average. The most significant heat was in summer, which was the state's hottest on record, 1.32°C above the long-term average. No individual month set a statewide record, although August and January both ranked as the second-hottest on record, with December, February and April all ranking third. June was 0.76°C warmer than the long-term average, despite a cold finish in the state's south, including an equal state record low for June, -6.0°C at Norseman Airport on 27 June. Both daytime maximum and overnight minimum temperatures contributed to the record warm period. Daytime maximum temperatures were 1.23°C above average, and overnight minima 0.93°C above average. Australia-wide, the average temperature for the 12 months to 30 June has been 22.68°C, 0.87°C above the long term average. Only twice previously has the Australia-wide average been higher, in 1997-98 and 2005-06. The record 12-month temperatures in Western Australia are consistent with the long-term warming trend in Australian and global temperatures. The state's annual average temperature has warmed by approximately 0.7°C since 1950. Contacts for further information Western Australia - Glenn Cook (08-9263 2237) http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/month/wa/summary.shtml |