Perth Heatwave

Autumn heatwave cuts power
6th March 2007, 7:00 WST
(article taken from The West Australian, 6 March 2007)

Perth’s scorching Autumn heatwave sent the mercury and power usage soaring today.

More than 5000 properties around Bunbury and Australind were without power for about an hour in 39 degree-heat because of an equipment failure.

Western Power spokesman Terry O’Briene said the problem had been fixed quickly and there were no major outages in the metropolitan area.

With the temperature in the city hitting 42 degrees at 4.42pm, slightly under the March record of 42.3 degrees, and many other places higher, power usage peaked at just over 3500 megawatts.

Mr O’Briene said demand had levelled off after the sea-breeze came in at 4.30pm.

The hottest temperature in WA was 47.8 recorded at Carnarvon, equalling the maximum March temperature for Australia, which was set in Roebourne in 1998.

Geraldton set a new March record, with temperatures hitting 45.2 degrees at 4.40pm. The previous highest March temperature of 44.6 degrees for the town was set on Monday.

At Perth airport, the mercury reached 42.5, Swanbourne recorded 42.4 at 3.15pm and Medina hit 42.6.

Mr O’Briene said demand for power should continue to be strong for the next two days, with hot temperatures and high humidity predicted.

The forecast for Wednesday is 42 degrees and while cooler temperatures of 38 are expected for Thursday, the humidity will be higher.