Perth has recorded its first 40-degree day in nearly two years.

Officially, Perth hit 41.2C at 1.52pm. Elsewhere in the metro area, Pearce was the hottest spot with 41.6C at 1.30pm, while Gooseberry Hill maxed out at 41.3C at 1.42pm.

The last 40C day Perth sweltered through was Australia Day last year, where the city recorded a maximum of 42C, according the weather bureau’s Neil Bennett.

Perth Airport (40.9C), Jandakot (40.5C) and Millendon (41.1C) in the Swan Valley also tipped over the 40C mark.

It was a warm start to the day with the city recording 30.5C at 8am.

A light sea breeze has taken the edge off the temperature in coastal areas - at 2.10pm it was a pleasant 30.8C at Hillarys Boat Harbour, while Swanbourne it was 35.5C.

Today’s scorcher comes eight days after the city recorded a stinking 38.8C.

December 14 was the hottest December day in two years — but that was pipped today.

The Bureau of Meteorology indicates Perth could reach 41C today, and there is a chance of a thunderstorm this afternoon or evening.

PERTH FORECAST

December 23: Mostly sunny, maximum 36C.

Christmas Eve: Sunny, 35C.

Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, 35C.

Boxing Day: Partly cloudy, 28C.

December 27: Mostly sunny, 28C.

December 28: Partly cloudy, 26C.