Fitzroy Crossing swelters through hot spell

Fitzroy Crossing has sweltered through its longest hot spell since temperature records began in 1997.

For the first 29 days of October residents in the community, 400km east of Broome, suffered through temperatures above 40C.

The town has endured an average maximum of 42C, breaking its own 2002 Australian record of 41.9C.

The hot spell was broken last Wednesday when the mercury reached just below 39.7C, with the following day also below at 38.5C.

Resident Jolene Cotterill, 30, said even after 18 years in Fitzroy Crossing her tactic was to stay indoors and avoid the heat. "If you don't work in the air-conditioning you just can't handle it. If you don't have a vehicle, you stay at home," she said.

"Everyone has been wishing for rain, we've had a bit but just not enough to cool it down."

Bureau of Meteorology senior climate liaison officer Glenn Cook said the high temperatures meant it was the town's hottest October on record with an average maximum of 42C.

Mr Cook said a lack of change in weather patterns and dry air had caused the heat.

"The patterns have been very static, so the air has warmed each day with little impact on weather patterns outside the regions," he said.

"Little cloud activity and clear skies has allowed maximum solar heating."

Mr Cook said the town could be considered the hottest place in Australia for October, in terms of locations with temperature- recording equipment.

It also holds the Australian record for the highest mean maximum temperature for October 2013.

The bureau predicts a 60 per cent chance Fitzroy Crossing will be subject to above-average temperatures between November and February.

Similar temperatures are predicted for the next week, with most days forecast at 40C or above.

To stay up-to-date with weather forecasts visit the Bureau's website at www.bom.gov.au .