The Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed that the heatwave experienced in large parts of northern and central Australia this week was a record breaking event.
The hot spell included the highest temperature ever observed in Australia for the second half of March.
Other significant climate statistics from this period:
- Maximum temperatures averaged 5 to 7 °C above average over most of the Gulf Country from 6 to 19 March
- Temperature records approached or set on 19 March, including:
- Northern Territory and Queensland—hottest area-averaged March day on record
- Birdsville—highest temperature ever recorded in Australia for second half of March; 46.5 °C
- Jervois—highest maximum temperature for March for the Northern Territory; 44.0 °C
- Moomba—hottest ever for South Australia this far into autumn; 45.4 °C
- To view the Bureau’s full climate statement click here
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