Western Australia is bracing for a severe heatwave on Christmas Day, with Perth forecast to reach 41 degrees Celsius, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). The heat is driven by a west coast trough dragging hot air from the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions, where temperatures could hit 46 degrees.
A severe heatwave warning has been extended to the Perth metro area, as well as the Mid-West and South West districts. Overnight minimums offer little relief, with Perth expected to drop to only 26 degrees, potentially making it the hottest Christmas morning on record, surpassing the 1915 record of 25.9 degrees.
Meanwhile, a tropical cyclone is forming over the Indian Ocean, likely to be named Tropical Cyclone Grant. It is expected to intensify into a category 2 system by Tuesday morning, bringing damaging winds over 120 km/h and heavy rainfall of 50 to 100 mm to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on Christmas Day. Conditions should ease from Boxing Day.
The hot and dry conditions also increase bushfire risk, with a fire danger warning likely for the Mid West coast on Monday. Thunderstorms are possible for parts of the Mid West, including Geraldton, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
