Residents in Western Australia's remote north west are bracing for unrelenting heat as temperatures soar into the high 40s, with no relief in sight. This week, Gascoyne Junction, located 940 kilometers north of Perth, came close to breaking a 65-year national record of three consecutive days above 49°C.
Jim Caunt expects extreme heat to last until the end of summer.
Upper Gascoyne Shire president Jim Caunt has expressed concerns that without decent rainfall, the region may continue to experience these extreme conditions until summer's end. According to Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Bob Tarr, it’s unusual for such high temperatures to persist in areas like Gascoyne Junction for an extended period. Historically, temperatures above 50°C have only been recorded seven times in Australia, four of which occurred in regional WA.
Heat Risk: The recent death of a tourist at Mount Augustus, approximately 320 km from Gascoyne Junction, underscores the dangers of heatwaves. David Hammarquist, who manages Mount Augustus Station, warns that the region is one of the harshest environments in Australia, where temperatures can reach 48°C even in the shade.
Tough Work on the Mines: In Newman, located 700 km northeast, residents are on high alert for intense storms that often follow heatwaves. Mark Brenmuhl, a mine worker, noted that the extreme heat can be mentally draining, especially for those working directly in the open-pit iron ore mine. Temperatures in Newman are expected to hit 45°C on Friday and Saturday.
Mr Brenmuhl believes heatwaves can take a toll on mine workers.
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