The rules have been bent for this weekend's AFL match as players brace for record breaking temperatures predicted to reach 43 degrees.
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The quarters will run for 16 minutes flat with no time on for the Women's Premier League as the Big Rivers take on the Southern Districts in what is sure to be the hottest part of the day.
And 15 minutes quarters are set for the Under 18 boy's and girls game.
Breaks have been extended and teams will be allowed to leave the field to seek out shade and use the cool rooms.
AFL Northern Territory has advised it has taken proactive steps to prepare for this weekend's expected heatwave as the Katherine teams prepare for one of their few home games.
To minimise the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, an AFL NT spokeswoman has said the National Heat Policy will be implemented.
"Fans will be available to clubs on the interchange along with extending breaks and adjusting quarter lengths to the Under 18 Girls, Boys and Women's Premier League," the spokeswoman said.
Games are set to begin at 11am, with the Under 18 girls taking on the Waratahs, the Under 18 boys are up against Nightcliff at 12.30 and the Women's Premier League competition is set to go ahead at 2.30pm.
Katherine has recorded an unusual run of above average temperatures this month.
The Bureau of Meteorology has recorded eight consecutive days reaching 40 degrees or higher this month, more than the previous two Novembers combined. A ninth day is likely to be recorded as well.
Katherine is bracing for a record-breaking weekend as an extreme heatwave predicted for the western part of the Top End ripples inland.
While the town's heat record remains a scorching 46.2, Tindal records, where Katherine's weather has been recorded since 1969, cites 42.5 degrees on November 10, 2006, as the one to beat.
BOM has predicted a top of 43 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a minuscule chance of rain towards the end, and high humidity.
Tops of 42 have been predicted all this week, and while it hasn't quite reached it yet, yesterday came close with a high of 41.8 recorded at 2pm.
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