Perth is bracing for an unseasonably intense heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to hit 38 degrees Celsius and possibly break a 40-year-old record. This heatwave is projected to be the hottest string of March days seen since 1985. With such high temperatures persisting until Thursday, residents have been alerted to the severe weather, particularly in eastern regions like Mandurah and Busselton.
Warnings have been issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, indicating that some areas, including Carnarvon, may even experience mid-40s temperatures. The anticipated heat is set to keep Perth’s temperatures consistently above 35 degrees for the next five days, significantly exceeding the average March maximum of 29.6 degrees.
The current severe autumn heatwave is attributed to a stable high-pressure system hovering over southern Australia, coupled with a tropical cyclone forming off Western Australia’s northern coast. This cyclone is driving unusually hot air into the southwest, intensifying the heat.
In contrast, the eastern states are also expecting warmer weather this weekend, with Sydney forecasted to see highs of 27 degrees on Saturday and Melbourne reaching 28 degrees on Friday. Overall, this rare spell of heat signifies an unusual climatic event for Perth and surrounding areas.