Katherine experienced its hottest July day on record this year, with the Bureau of Meteorology expecting this year's build up to be particularly steamy.
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Bureau of Meteorology climatologist Greg Browning said the maximum temperature in Katherine on July 24 was the highest on record for the month at 36.3C.
July in Katherine has been 2.3C warmer than the July average, but not as hot as 2017 - the hottest July on record.
Mr Browning said the Top End should brace itself for an early wet season because of the Indian Ocean Dipole which is currently underway.
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"We're surrounded by waters that are warmer than normal," he said.
"The wet season officially starts in October, with the current situation we are more likely to see those rain events as early as September.
He said this year's build up is set to be "earlier" and "more torrid than usual."
"It's looking like this year might be one of the nastier ones," Mr Browning said.
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