Broome sets sweltering October temperature record

Cable Beach was the place to be today as the mercury in the tourist town of Broome soared to a sweltering October record of 43.4C.

The temperature peaked at 11.21am this morning but an on-shore breeze during the afternoon helped cool things down to around 41C by 2.30pm.

The forecast maximum in the town today was 42C.

Today’s top temperature has broken the previous record for Broome in October, which was 42.8C on October 30, 1953.

The highest temperature for any month in Broome was 44.8C on December 10, 1951.

A Bureau of Meteorology spokesman said the excessive heat occurs when hot easterly or north easterly winds stop the sea breeze from reducing temperatures.

Local Blake Riley made the most of the sweltering heat, heading to the beach with visiting friend Kieran Tomlin.

Mr Tomlin, 20, said the heat was “crazy” but that wouldn’t stop him from checking out some of the best places in Broome.

“On the way to the beach the car told us it was 46C and even that wasn’t going to stop us getting down here,” he said.

But Divers Tavern general manager Pat Jennings encouraged the town to get indoors, throwing an “air-conditioned happy hour” for customers at the popular pub.