Heatwave conditions forecast for large parts of WA leading into the weekend

05/02/2016

Severe to extreme heatwave conditions are expected for southwestern and inland Western Australia leading into the weekend and early next week, with temperatures forecast to be well above the long-term average for this time of year.

Bureau of Meteorology Regional Weather Services Manager, Grahame Reader, said temperatures are expected to be significantly above average for many western parts of Western Australia, including Perth.

"These heatwave conditions are being caused by a slow-moving surface trough pulling hot north-easterly air from inland Australia towards the west coast," said Mr Reader.

"Severe Heatwave conditions are forecast to begin on Saturday and continue until mid-week, with parts of the Western Australia expected to experience extreme heatwave conditions and temperatures in the mid-40s,” he said.

The Bureau now provides a Heatwave Service in addition to the temperature forecast, which provides a measure of the intensity of a heatwave, compared to the long-term climate average.

The Heatwave Service allows the Bureau to inform the community of the severity of a heatwave, and is able to map the level of intensity of each heatwave event.

Severe and extreme heatwaves pose significant risks to human health and safety, particularly the elderly, who are more vulnerable to the effects of heat stress.

When temperatures are unusually hot over a period of time, with continuously high night-time and day-time temperatures, heat stress becomes a critical factor in human survival and infrastructure resilience.

Check the Bureau’s website for the latest weather forecasts and warnings, and follow us on Twitter @BOM_WA.

Further information on the Bureau’s Heatwave Service for Australia can also be found on our website.