Perth endures hottest November day since records began as Western Australia sizzles in the heat

Perth has broken two weather records after four days of searing temperatures across Western Australia.

The temperature reached 40.4 degrees in Perth today.

The temperature hit 40.4 degrees on Saturday — the hottest November day since records began in 1897.

It was also the fourth consecutive day over 35 degrees which is only the second time it has happened in November. The last time was in 1933.

Bureau of Meteorology WA duty forecaster Darryl Vink said Perth broke the record in style.

"Basically there's a high in the bight, a very broad surface trough down the west coast, [and] a hot air mass over the state," he said.

"And the north-easterly winds have brought down that hot air over the west coast.

"It's the hottest November day since records began in 1897, and it's also the hottest spring day since 1897."

Read the story from The Age - “Perth endures hottest November day since records began as Western Australia sizzles in the heat.”

Victorians wilt as temperatures soar

Twenty people were hospitalised as Victorians wilted in searing temperatures on Saturday.

Paramedics were called to 50 heat-related cases throughout the day, but were bracing for more with Melbourne expecting its hottest night on record.

The temperature hit 41.2 degrees in Melbourne at 3.20pm, with the mercury not expected to fall below 30 degrees before midnight.

Read the story in the Melbourne Age - “Melbourne weather:Twenty hospitalised as Victorians wilt in scorching heat.”