Australian temperatures top 50 degrees, matching hottest day ever recorded

Australia has matched its hottest ever recorded temperature, with parts of Western Australia scorching at over 50C on Thursday.

It's the first time this century an Australian community has topped this temperature, with heat waves felt in WA's north-west, Weatherzone says.

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In the town of Onslow temperatures hit 50.7C, matching the hottest day on Australian record, originally established in Oodnadatta, in South Australia in 1960.

Other regions in Western Australia felt temperatures of 50.5C, equal to the second hottest day ever recorded in the country.

The 50.5C reading was felt in Mardie and Roebourne, also in the state's north-west, and is the hottest day recorded in 60 years.

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Senior Weatherzone meteorologist Brett Dutschke said temperatures in the Pilbarra, dubbed Australia's hottest region, are due to warmer than normal sea surface temperatures off WA's northern coast.

He added global warming was also a likely factor.

"The Pilbara is well-known as Australia's hottest region. The town of Marble Bar bills itself as Australia's hottest town. Its average January maximum is 40.7C and it once went 160 days with max temps of 37.7C or higher," Mr Dutschke said.

"The region is also sunnier than normal given the monsoon and cyclone has focused the cloud, rain on Australia's northeast."

Particularly on the coast, temperatures are expected to dip tomorrow.

Mr Dutschke added sweltering days could be ahead for lower parts of the state.

"Looking ahead, extreme heat will gradually work its way south, reaching the Perth area next week," he said.

"The WA capital is a chance to experience a near-record heatwave, most likely from Tuesday to at least Friday."

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