Fremantle Doctor facts for kids
The Fremantle Doctor, also known as the Freo Doctor or just The Doctor, is a special name for a cool afternoon sea breeze in Western Australia. It happens during the summer months in the southwest coastal areas of Western Australia. This refreshing wind blows because there's a big difference in temperature between the warm land and the cooler ocean.
People started using the name "Fremantle Doctor" as early as the 1870s. It's similar to names used for cooling winds in other places, like South Africa and the West Indies.
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What is the Fremantle Doctor?
During the hot summer, the Fremantle Doctor blows almost every day. It comes from the southwest, along the southern part of Western Australia's west coast. This cool wind usually starts between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
How Far Inland Does it Go?
The Fremantle Doctor can travel quite far inland. It can reach up to 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from the coast. For example, it often reaches the town of York by early evening, bringing cooler air with it.
Why is it Called the Fremantle Doctor?
In Perth, which is the capital city of Western Australia, this wind is called the Fremantle Doctor because it seems to come from the nearby coastal city of Fremantle. It's called a "Doctor" because it brings a very welcome relief from the high summer temperatures, just like a doctor helps you feel better!
How Strong is the Wind?
The Fremantle Doctor often cools down the suburbs of Perth by several degrees. Closer to the coast, the wind can be quite strong. It often blows between 15 and 20 knots, which is about 28 to 37 kilometers per hour (17 to 23 miles per hour). This strong breeze can sometimes make afternoon visits to the beach a bit windy!
What Happens Without the Doctor?
On some days, the Fremantle Doctor doesn't blow. When this happens, the afternoon temperatures in Perth's suburbs are much higher. They can often go above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). This is also because a strong easterly wind might be blowing hot desert air from the dry center of the state.
See also
In Spanish: Fremantle Doctor para niños
