Western Australia is enduring a severe three-day heatwave, with temperatures soaring into the 40s across much of the state. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the hottest weather is expected on Christmas Day, with Geraldton forecast to reach 43°C.
Other areas likely to be impacted include the Perth metropolitan area, Dwellingup, Gingin, Karratha, and Yanchep. Total fire bans are in place around Geraldton on Tuesday, where the fire danger is rated as extreme. Fire and Emergency Services Deputy Commissioner Craig Waters said the hot and gusty conditions would increase bushfire behaviour, noting that 93% of the state is bushfire prone.
Two additional Black Hawk aircraft have been brought in for the high-threat period and will be based in Gingin to cover the northern corridor. Waters urged residents to be ready to act and put emergency plans into action if impacted by a bushfire.
Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Grant has intensified off the north-west coast and is expected to impact the Cocos (Keeling) Islands as a category two system late on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Destructive wind gusts of up to 130 kph are possible if the cyclone's core passes close to the islands.
Despite the extreme heat, some locals remain unfazed. Kelvin Raynor, known as 'Scruff', said he is not worried about the 41°C forecast for his town, having worked in 55°C heat. He plans to spend Christmas Day with his dog Molly in their unit without air conditioning, relying on fans and plenty of water.
Temperatures are expected to cool down in Perth and other parts of the state from Boxing Day onwards, with a pleasant low of 14°C forecast for Saturday morning.
