Editor’s Desk: February, enough already! The heat of Geraldton’s extreme month is almost too much to bear

As I am writing this column, a miracle has seemingly occurred. It’s 11am on Thursday and it’s meant to be another scorcher. A forecast of 42C. But it’s only 30C. A mild and enjoyable summer’s day for once this month. The air-con at work is not even on! Hallelujah! Finally, a reprieve. But hang on, don’t get too excited, it’s meant to be back up to 45C by Sunday! February 2024 has lived up to the month’s reputation as summer’s hottest, and then some. It seems impossible to say that there’s been more oversaturation of the sun this month than the Taylor Swift juggernaut. At least I can tolerate Tay-Tay even on hearing her songs or seeing her on the news for the millionth time. Don’t get me wrong. I like summer. Summer, when the temps stay within the 30Cs. I loathe 40C-plus days. When it gets extreme, I turn into a melting mess. Yes, I grew up in this weather and I should be used to it, and I am used to it. Still doesn’t mean I like it. When you have multiple 42-47C days in a row, you do become accustomed to the extreme heat, and I grant you, one saving grace this month is the humidity has been bearable. But when you think about it, if Geraldton is experiencing 45C or higher temperatures, inland areas have probably exceeded 50C! It seems the motto for his month is “another week, another heatwave”. The problem for many people when it gets to the mid-40Cs is the heat saps you of all your energy. You literally feel like you’re operating on a low battery, which is constantly beeping and flashing to get recharged. It’s hard to function at work, it’s hard to function at home and if it’s blindingly hot on the weekends, kiss goodbye to any outdoor plans you had unless they are first thing in the morning or just before the sun goes down. I shudder at the thought of opening my next power bill, it’s going to be a doozy, like most households, but thank the heavens for air-con. February in Geraldton is on track to be a record-breaker. The Bureau of Meteorology tells me as of Wednesday, February 14 — at the half-way point of the month — there have been six days exceeding 40C. The record for the most number of February days in Geraldton above 40C is almost 30 years ago, in February 1985 when there were 13 scorching days. We have 14 more days left this month, so that record is under threat. I shouldn’t whinge this much about summer. I’m not great in extreme cold either and if I had to choose between living in 45C summers living on the coast with a sea breeze or wearing 10 layers of clothing or having my car snowed or iced in during blizzards, I would opt for the former. But Mother Nature, please have a bit of mercy. The sooner February is over, the better. But considering December and January were pretty mild in comparison, we might be in for a late end to summer. Also, if Mother Nature hears my prayers, I promise never to whine again about Geraldton’s wind, which has been a godsend this month. I believe this is an issue that unites us all. Let’s all hope we can wave goodbye to these heatwaves as quickly as possible.