They say you can’t predict the weather, but forecasters are fairly certain Perth’s uncomfortable heatwave is set to stay for some time yet.
On Thursday, the mercury reached dizzying heights as it climbed to a fifth day above 40C, which was in itself a new record for the month.
The previous record for most days in the 40s for February was four, shared in the years 1985 and 2016.
But as we’re just past its halfway point, the record could be broken yet again on Sunday — with BOM predicting the temperature to top a hot and humid 43C.
Partly cloudy for most of the day, the bureau is reporting a chance of a thunderstorm with little to no rainfall in the evening.
Ahead of the weekend, Bureau Of Meteorology forecaster Robert Lawry said the worst was not behind us.
“It would definitely be very, very likely, I’d suggest, that we’ll have at least some level of heatwave before the end of summer,” he said.
“We’re sort of right in the middle of summer now.”
Mr Lawry said Perth was experiencing unusual weather patterns, leading to record-breaking heat that won’t relent..
Similar conditions have been forecast for Monday, with a predicted maximum of 42C on a partly cloudy day.
Meteorologist Dean Narramore said the weather across Australia during the weekend was a “mixed bag” but was overall hot and sunny.
“Almost the entire state of WA this weekend … is covered in low, severe or extreme heatwave conditions,” he said.
Mr Narramore said it would be “mild to warm conditions” along the southern and south-eastern parts of Australia.
Currently experiencing a period of severe to extreme heatwave for much of WA, the bureau has issued the following advice:
- Seek a place to keep cool such as your home, a library, a community centre or a shopping centre.
- Close your windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.
- If available, use fans or air-conditioners to keep cool.
Heatwave conditions are expected to ease from the south-west later in the week.
The next heatwave warning will be issued at 2pm on Sunday.
PERTH FORECAST
Sunday: 43C
Monday: 27-42C
Tuesday: 26-39C
Wednesday: 20-28C
Thursday: 15-29C
Friday: 17-35C
Saturday: 19-35C