Mid West and Gascoyne brace for second heatwave in as many weeks as new trough forms

The Mid West is bracing for a second heatwave in as many weeks as a new trough forms on the west side of the State, likely leading to multiple 40C-plus days later this week.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jessica Lingard said the trough was stagnant, which was causing an absence of cooling winds, which would usually be brought on when the trough moved to the eastern side of the State.

The trough is set to move in an easterly direction early next week, which will cool down coastal locations.

Gascoyne Junction will bare the brunt of the heat, experiencing forecasted 43C highs on Wednesday before 45C on Thursday and 47C every day until Monday.

After last week’s record-breaking heatwave, Geraldton will again be the in the hot zone, with 41C predicted on Thursday, 42C on Friday, 43C on Saturday and 39C on Saturday before a cooler change is experienced.

The Shire of Morawa will likewise experience over 40C from Thursday until Sunday, with forecasted peaks of 44C on the weekend.

“The triangle between Carnarvon, Upper Gascoyne and Coral Bay will have the areas nudging 50C,” Ms Lingard said.

Perenjori will also remain in the 40s from Thursday onwards, reaching 43C on Saturday, while Three Springs reaches 44C on Saturday and Sunday before easing back to 41C on Monday.

Meekatharra is expected to reach 39C on Thursday, before a forecast of 41C for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and an expected high of 42C on Monday.

Harvey Nichols, shire president of Meekatharra and owner of Sherwood Station, said the weather in the region had been pleasant, and was “business as usual”.

“It’s been beautiful out here. A bit hot in the middle of the day but you just wake up early and get your jobs done in the morning,” he said.

The impact on livestock seemed limited, according to Mr Nichols.

“Just make sure their water is up,” he said.

The outlook for Mullewa is 42C on Thursday, before climbing to 43C on Friday, 45C on Saturday and easing to 44C on Sunday, and 41C on Monday.