Sizzling summer heat
Rockingham Beach was a popular option for many people seeking respite from last week’s scorching temperatures.
At Garden Island, the mercury peaked at 35.6C on Christmas Day and was again over 30C at the weekend.
Secret Harbour surf lifesavers were kept busy as hundreds sought to cool off at the beach.
Rockingham remained well below its hottest December day, which was recorded on Boxing Day in 2007 when the temperature hit 43.4C.
Further north, Perth sweltered through its fifth-hottest Christmas on record as the mercury rose to 39.6C.
Temperatures nudged 40C from Boxing Day, prompting warnings from the Health Department to check on vulnerable neighbours and family members.
The department also urged people to remain hydrated, limit alcohol intake and monitor chlorine levels in pools and spas.
The Bureau of Metrology is forecasting a cool change leading into to this weekend with 23C, 26C and 28C expected on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday respectively.
The heat will return over the weekend with a forecast maximum of 35C on Saturday and 37C on Sunday.
