Residents across northern and central Western Australia are being urged to prepare for a dangerous and prolonged heatwave, with temperatures expected to climb perilously close to 50 degrees Celsius in the coming days.
Widespread Severe to Extreme Conditions Forecast
According to Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Miriam Bradbury, intense heat is building across the state's northern regions and interior. "We’re expecting really, really hot conditions in northern areas and pushing down to the interior and across to the Pilbara," Ms Bradbury said. The most severe impacts are anticipated for the Pilbara and Kimberley regions, where thermometers are predicted to sit in the mid to high 40s.
The concern is amplified by the duration of the event. "As we go through the end of the week and push towards the weekend, we’re going to see the difference from the average pushing up to eight, possibly 10C above average," Bradbury explained. The heatwave classification is driven by the combination of these scorching daytime maxima and overnight minimums that may not dip below 30 degrees, offering little respite.
Heat Stress Concerns for Communities
The bureau has issued warnings for widespread severe to extreme heatwave conditions. This poses significant heat stress risks for communities throughout the affected areas, with the danger heightened because the extreme temperatures are forecast to linger for several consecutive days. Authorities are advising people to stay hydrated, remain indoors during the hottest parts of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
In contrast, Perth is set for a more typical summer week. The city can expect a spike in heat around Thursday, reaching 36 degrees, before a west coast trough moves inland and brings cooler conditions for the weekend. "Wednesday we’re looking at 33 degrees... but by the time we get to the weekend we get a west coast trough moving inland," Ms Bradbury noted.
Fire-Ravaged Victoria Catches a Break
Meanwhile, conditions in Victoria, which has been battling fierce bushfires, are easing slightly. Temperatures in the south are expected to be in the low 20s, with some parts reaching the mid-30s, while winds remain mild. "The more friendly conditions will hopefully make things less challenging for the firefighters continuing to fight those blazes across the state," said Bradbury.
PERTH WEATHER FORECAST
Wednesday: Sunny, 18-33 ☀️
Thursday: Sunny, 19-36 ☀️
Friday: Sunny, 23-33 ☀️
Saturday: Partly cloudy, 18-26 ⛅️
Sunday: Sunny, 15-27 ☀️
Monday: Sunny, 17-33 ☀️
Tuesday: Sunny, 22-39 ☀️
Forecast sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology.
