This summer drought however is not as pronounced as Southern California's. Bushfires can be a major problem in late summer - autumn. Fire is so much a part of the natural system that nearly all native plants are fire resistant, some such as some of Banksias actually need a fire to crack open seed pods. Some of the tornadoes that have occurred are similar to rare Southern Californian tornadoes in that they have moved in off the ocean. Summer daytime highs are warm to hot.
Many hotter days occur, whilst cooler days, especially in early summer are also common.
Summer temperatures peak in February, unlike the east coast where the peak is in January. Many of the hotter days in Perth are relieved by a seabreeze called the Fremantle Doctor, named after the direction from which the breeze arrives. Winter daytime temperatures are mild, despite the abundant rainfall. Frost does not normally occur near the ocean. The odd frosty morning is possible away from the coast.