Christmas Eve Heatwave
Sunday, 25 December 2005
Hot and dry northwesterly winds pushed the temperature above 40 degrees
across the region yesterday. The temperature rose quickly in the morning and by
9am the temperature was already 35 - 37°C at most locations. By mid day,
high level cloud covered much of the sky and therefore maximum temperatures
occurred around this time. Relative humidity was around 10% at some locations.
Paterson (Tocal), Williamtown, Maitland and Cessnock
all reached a temperature of 43°C (rounded). The highest temperature
recorded was 44.0°C at Singleton. A maximum temperature was not reported
from Jerrys Plains. The coastline also recorded high temperatures with Nobbys
Head recording a maximum of 39.9°C.
The high temperatures were accompanied by strong and gusty
winds. Maximum wind gusts of 80 km/h were recorded from the northwest or the
west northwest in the Lower Hunter. Despite the extreme fire dangers, only minor
bushfires and spot fires were reported. back...
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