Perth is preparing for an intense and prolonged burst of extreme heat, with a severe heatwave set to grip the city this week. The scorching conditions, which have already been searing the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, are now moving towards the capital, bringing with them a blanket of hazy smoke and challenging weather patterns.
Heatwave and Hazy Skies Descend on the City
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for the South Interior, Central West, and Lower West parts of Western Australia. For residents in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, and North Interior, the warning has been escalated to extreme. In Perth, the mercury is forecast to soar dramatically, with a sharp contrast between coastal and inland suburbs.
Meteorologist Jess Lingard explained that an overnight temperature inversion is exacerbating the situation. This phenomenon, where warmer air sits above cooler air near the surface, acts like a lid on the atmosphere. "It's not until the sun comes up in the morning that the inversion breaks down and conditions begin to clear," Ms Lingard said.
This inversion is trapping smoke from two significant bushfires burning on WA's south coast. Regional winds are pushing the smoke north, spreading it across Perth overnight. "Any smoke or pollution becomes trapped beneath that lid and spreads out," Ms Lingard warned.
Temperature Peaks and Health Warnings
The forecast predicts punishing temperatures across the metropolitan area. On Tuesday, Ellenbrook and Midland are set to swelter through 40-41C, while the broader Perth area can expect 39C. Coastal suburbs like Fremantle, Scarborough, and Cottesloe will see slightly milder conditions around 37C, thanks to the ocean's moderating influence.
"There is definitely an extreme difference for inland and coastal temperatures," Ms Lingard noted. The intense heat is expected to continue through Wednesday and Thursday, with inland hotspots such as Armadale, Kalamunda, Ellenbrook, and Midland bearing the brunt.
Health authorities are urging caution, particularly for vulnerable residents. People with asthma or other respiratory conditions are advised to keep doors and windows closed overnight and into the early morning. Clearer conditions are expected after about 8am on Tuesday morning once the inversion lifts.
Relief Finally in Sight
The relentless heat is forecast to finally break by Friday. A trough is expected to move inland, dragging temperatures down into the high 20s and marking the official end of this severe heatwave event.
PERTH WEATHER FORECAST
Monday: Sunny, 19-33°C
Tuesday: Sunny, 22-37°C
Wednesday: Sunny, 23-37°C
Thursday: Sunny, 22-34°C
Friday: Sunny, 18-27°C
Saturday: Sunny, 18-27°C
Sunday: Sunny, 17-26°C
