Perth basks in record hot day
Perth is known for its sunshine. The sunniest Australian capital city gets about 3000 hours of it a year and, as any West Australian knows, they are glorious.
There is something about the way the sun reflects off the water at Cottesloe beach, opens up flowers in Kings Park and lights up that trademark clear Perth sky.
Today, Perth got early taste of that WA warmth.
The temperature reached 34.2C just before 3pm, passing the record for a hot September day set almost 100 years ago when it reached 32.7C on September 30, 1918.
Today's forecast maximum temperature was 32C.
Crowds flocked to beaches and parks to take advantage of the first day above 30C since mid-April.
All the things international tourists love about Perth will be illuminated.
This year, Perth was ninth on the New York Times' list of 52 places to visit. Writer Baz Dreisinger loved almost everything, not least that it was "not-a-cloud-in-the-sky sunny".
But for WA tourism, locals travelling within the State are the biggest market, both in numbers and money spent.
Tourism WA chief executive Stephanie Buckland said warm weather was an opportunity for Perth residents to rediscover their city.
"We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy the beach lifestyle, relax in natural bushland or sample world-class food and wine, all within 30 minutes of the CBD," she said.
"Perth is also undergoing one of the biggest transformations in its history . . . the Cultural Centre has seen significant changes, as have Northbridge around William Street, Forrest Chase and Brookfield Place.
"In the past few years we've seen a number of unique small bars, high-quality eateries and revitalised public spaces spring up across the city.
"It is also a great time to take a day trip to Rottnest or Penguin islands, the Pinnacles or Araluen. The choices are endless."
Rain and storms are due to set in tomorrow morning but today's weather is a glimpse of things to come.
The weather bureau predicts a warmer-than-average spring, with September already on track to be hotter than normal.
Clinical psychologist Christopher Lee said sunshine helped to lift the spirits. Light appeared to affect mood, especially in people with seasonal affective disorder, most often depression linked to the onset of winter. "The research also shows being out in nature improves mood," Dr Lee said.
"In spring, we are more likely to go to the park, river or beach and more inclined to schedule social activities, which will also lift moods."
Surf Life Saving WA community safety manager Chris Peck warned regular beach patrols do not start until next month, so only City Beach, Scarborough and Trigg would be patrolled this weekend.
Spring was a "treacherous time" and conditions were right for rips to develop.
Mr Peck urged beachgoers to check www.slswa.com.au/beachsafe before swimming.
"In terms of responsibility, this weekend comes right back to the individual," he said. "Know your capabilities against those conditions and if you are not sure, don't proceed. Always swim or surf with other people so if things do go pear-shaped, there is safety in numbers."
Even confident "summer swimmers" could become "winterised", Mr Peck said.
"It isn't that they're not capable but their proficiency about what they need to do in certain conditions has slipped away during winter," he said.
Terry Slevin, Cancer Council WA director of education and research, stressed that UV rating, not heat, was the most important predictor of skin cancer risk.
Yesterday's UV index of 5.6 was likely to be similar today, despite yesterday being about seven degrees cooler.
