As Australians, we’re no strangers to the sun’s scorching embrace, but the forecast for parts of Western Australia is taking the mercury to new heights. Weather forecasters are on high alert as a severe heatwave is set to send temperatures soaring to a blistering 50C in some remote areas. This isn’t just a typical summer sizzle; it’s a red-hot reminder of the extreme weather conditions our vast continent can produce.
The Pilbara and Kimberley districts are bracing for what could be record-breaking heat. Weatherzone has pinpointed this Friday as the potential peak of this fiery phenomenon, with the mercury threatening to hit the half-century mark. It’s a staggering figure that’s hard to fathom, and it’s all thanks to a ‘very hot air mass’ that’s been making its way around the country, turning up the heat in several states to the mid-to-high 40s.
But what’s behind this intense heatwave? Weatherzone explains that a combination of ‘stagnant or slow-moving weather systems’ is trapping the heat, allowing it to build up to dangerous levels. To the southwest of WA, a strong high-pressure system is acting like a colossal fan, blowing hot air from Australia’s interior towards the coast. Meanwhile, Tropical Cyclone Taliah is adding fuel to the fire, warming the atmosphere as it releases latent heat energy.
This heatwave is part of a broader pattern of severe weather sweeping across the nation. From flooding rains in the north to bushfires in the south, Australia is experiencing a dynamic mix of elements. Severe thunderstorms are also on the cards for several states, with two severe tropical cyclones churning over Australian waters.
The intense heat has been brewing for the past two months, creating a volatile weather cocktail. Overnight minimum temperatures are not offering much relief either, with the high teens to low twenties in the south and mid to high twenties in the north. Severe heatwave conditions are expected to contract to northwest SA and gradually ease over the coming days, impacting locations such as Bordertown, Clare, Jamestown, Narracoorte, Renmark, and the Barossa Valley.
The hot air isn’t just causing discomfort; it’s also stirring up thunderstorms. Vic, Tas, and southern NSW are likely to see storm development on Tuesday, with a focus on NSW, the ACT, and northeast Vic on Wednesday. Severe thunderstorms are a strong possibility on both days.
Australia’s history with extreme heat is well-documented, with seven instances of 50C heat recorded. The most recent was in January 2022 at Onslow Airport in WA, matching the long-standing record from Oodnadatta Airport in South Australia set in January 1960.
As Western Australia braces for this record-breaking heatwave, preparedness is essential. What are your go-to strategies for keeping cool during such blistering conditions? Have you experienced a heatwave of this magnitude before, and how did you cope? Drop your tips and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you and share valuable insights with our community. Stay safe and stay cool!
Also read: Soaring temps bring health woes—and a surprising tree-related risk!
When I was married in Feb 1985 it was 40c or over for 14 consecutive days. The highest temp I have had was in 1994, in a workshop environment in Welshpool near Perth, it was 47c.
Growing up in the Riverland in SA in the 50/60’s, it was not unusual to have a week or more of above 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) several times over summer. It was probably not recorded in those days, but the temperature gauge often saw 115F (46C)
Unfortunately winter could be the opposite, with zero or below, quite common.