Perth set to be hit by sweltering summer, high likelihood of heatwaves according to Bureau of Meteorology

Perth is set for a sweltering summer, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning there is a high likelihood of heatwaves.

Senior meteorologist Andrew Burton said from now up till February, there was an 80 per cent chance of warmer than usual days and higher overnight minimum temperatures.

“We’re expecting it to be a hotter than usual summer and that is likely to lead to heatwave conditions,” Mr Burton said.

DFES commissioner Darren Klemm said this meant the bushfire outlook was “more significant” than leading up to last summer, with WA already having experienced its hottest-ever September day last month.

“We’re expecting to see the bushfire season start a bit earlier than normal, potentially during November,” he said.

“The dry conditions are there for a longer season than what we’ve experienced in recent years.”

The Commissioner said DFES would have 30 aircraft and a support fleet of 110 fire trucks available during the bushfire season.

We will see hot weather and we will see bushfires this season, and it’s very important that we’re all ready for that.

As rising global temperatures lead to longer and more intense heatwaves in Perth, Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson encouraged the public to look after elderly residents who were vulnerable to the effects of hotter days.

“It really is important that you do check in with your with your neighbours, particularly if they’re old. See if they need some help with shopping or anything else,” Mr Dawson said.

“We will see hot weather and we will see bushfires this season, and it’s very important that we’re all ready for that.”

While Perth prepares for summer, the North West of WA – still recovering from devastating floods in January – is bracing for wet season and the possibility of more cyclones.

Mr Dawson said there was still more work to be done to prepare communities in the Kimberley and Pilbara and that the State was trying to get as much done before the wet season weather arrived.

“I would urge West Australians in the north of the State to be cyclone-ready and have your plan in place. Check Emergency WA to get the latest updates, have food supplies and a battery-operated radio,” he said.

“The rain is coming at some stage. It could come later in the season than normal, but it will come and be ready for it.”

Tourists are also urged to check Emergency WA before travelling.

Mr Burton said while BoM predicted fewer cyclones this season, only one was needed to pose a threat.

“It’s important to understand the power of wind to do damage. And even once a cyclone system poses no wind threat, it can still carry major flooding risks,” he said.

“There has never been a season since satellite records began, where we didn’t have at least one tropical cyclone crossing the coast of Australia.

“We don’t know where that’s going to happen. But it only takes that one cyclone to come to your community and that’s a bad season for you.”

Mr Klemm said the new Fitzroy Bridge, which will be two metres higher than the bridge destroyed by floods at the start of the year, was set to be finished around May or June 2024.