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Perth swelters through 40 degree heat

The Christmas heat has continued in Perth with temperatures nearing 40 degrees, forcing fire bans, while floods continue to cause problems in WA's north.

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Source: AAP


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The Christmas heat has continued in Perth with temperatures nearing 40 degrees, forcing fire bans in some areas, while floods continue to cause problems in Western Australia's north.

On Christmas Day, the temperature peaked at 39.9 degrees in Perth about 3pm (WST) while it peaked at 36.7 degrees on Boxing Day.

Monday's temperature is expected to reach 40 degrees and the forecast for the remainder of the week is showing temperatures in the low to mid-30s.

The severe heat means a total fire ban has been declared for parts of Perth and its surrounds.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) issued a warning on Monday, saying any activity that could start a fire was banned.

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The fire ban applies to the Perth Hills, inland parts of Perth and surrounding areas, as well as areas of the Central Wheatbelt and Upper Great Southern regions.

Meanwhile, a flood warning has been issued for the Murchison River Catchment and Kalbarri, 592km north of Perth in WA's Mid West region.

There is no immediate danger but residents are being urged to keep up to date in case the situation changes, says FESA.

The Bureau of Meteorology says the water level at Emu Springs gauging station, near the entrance of Murchison Gorge, had dropped slightly overnight from 6.14 metres to 6.07 metres at 6am (WST) on Monday.

FESA says the river is flowing fast in some sections and people should take extra care near floodways.

The Department of Planning and Infrastructure has closed the Murchison River until further notice.


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