Authorities warn of perfect trifecta for bushfires on Sunday as extreme heatwave grips Perth

Authorities are warning a trifecta of heat, wind and lightning over Perth on Sunday could brew the perfect conditions for bushfires as the metro area enters a heatwave.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a heatwave warning for Perth and the South West, warning of high temperatures along with potentially damaging storms.

Perth is forecast to reach 40C on Sunday.

Total fire bans have been announced across the Wheatbelt and outer Perth suburbs for Sunday including the Swan, Mundaring and York.

Areas including Geraldton and its surrounds were also included in the list, after residents north of the town were ordered to evacuate on Saturday to escape a bushfire.

Firefighters have been forced to battle a number of blazes around Perth in recent days, with evacuations ordered around Kenwick and Bullsbrook on Thursday.

On Saturday a fire broke out in Herdsman Lake Regional Park in Perth’s north, in Bullsbrook in the north-east, and in Melville, in the inner south.

Minimum temperatures in Perth aren’t expected to ease below 24C until Tuesday.

On Sunday, storms with lightning are expected with gusts of up to almost 20 knots.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Angeline Prasad said the combination of heat, wind and lightning would make the fire risk high.

“There is a potential for dangerous fire weather conditions over the next few days, as long as we’ve got the heat and the wind and the thunderstorms in the landscape,” she said on Saturday.

“Because there is not much rainfall, any lightning strikes have got the capability of producing wildfires in the landscape, hence the dangerous fire weather conditions over the next few days.”

Ms Prasad said those vulnerable to the heat should take extra precautions.

“It’s important to stay hydrated and stay in the shade as much as possible, so yes, it is quite hot and the first thing that comes into your mind is head to the beach, it’s important that you slip, slop, slap, put on sunscreen, put on a hat, stay hydrated as much as possible,” she said.

“With heat waves, it’s really pets, children, the elderly, pregnant women, who do get affected.

“Currently we do have a severe heat wave affecting the South West, and there are people who will be able to cope, but there are people who won’t be able to cope with with the heat wave.

“It’s important to not just keep yourself cool during the day, but also at night.”