Scorching February melts records

Bunbury's heatwave during the past fortnight has produced the hottest February day for more than 20 years.

And only one of the past 13 days was below February's long-term average maximum of 30.1C.

The maximum on February 6 reached 40C, which was the first time that had happened in February since the Bureau of Meteorology's Carey Park site started keeping records in 1995.

The previous highest temperature recorded by the Carey Park site was 39.7C on February 21, 2006.

It was also the fourth hottest day for any month since at least 1995.

City of Bunbury Surf Life Saving Club president Peter Duncan said despite the heat, it was business as usual for the club and its members.

He said members were encouraged to be conscious of the sun and hydrate but added they were all experienced at coping with the conditions. He also said the only impact the heat had on the club was the presence of more beachgoers, which required members to be more vigilant when using the beach.

The average maximum temperature so far this month has been 31.7C, while four days have already exceeded 35C.

There could be some relief in sight with the bureau not forecasting maximum temperatures of above 32C within the next week and several days to be below 30C.

Despite the daytime heat, Bunbury's average minimum temperatures this month have been cooler than normal. Until yesterday, Bunbury's nights had averaged 15.3C this month, more than half a degree down on the long-term average of 15.9C.

In the 21 years of data kept by the bureau for the Carey Park site, February has been the hottest month in terms of both average minimums and maximums.