Perth weather: Why it’s so hot and why we’re seeing so many heatwaves in 2024

If your air-con bill is already through the roof, it may be time to take out a second mortgage — this isn’t our last Perth heatwave for the month.

The Bureau of Meteorology has delivered some sobering news for anyone hoping we might soon see the end of scorching temperatures.

As Perth is forecast to swelter through 43C on Thursday, BoM forecaster Robert Lawry says it’s time we get used to the baking heat.

“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. We’re sort of right in the middle of summer now,” Mr Lawry said.

That’s right, we’re only in the middle!

Mr Lawry said Perth was experiencing unusual weather patterns this summer, leading to record-breaking heat that just won’t let up.

The State is stuck in a cycle of troughs that are moving down to Perth from the north of WA, getting hotter and hotter on the way.

Southerly winds, which would normally kick in to cool the city, are nowhere to be seen, meaning we’re instead stuck sweating away until the next trough arrives.

“By the time they get to Perth, it’s stinking hot,” Mr Lawry said.

“It’s almost a stall of the weather system.”

Perth is expected to break temperature records on Thursday, surpassing the previous record of four days above 40C for February.

By Tuesday, we could have seen seven days above 40C, with only one day forecast below 30C (Friday).

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.

Total fire bans are in place on Thursday for vast areas of WA, and the Health Department advises people to drink plenty of water, dress in lightweight clothing, and check on vulnerable people including children, Indigenous Australians, and pregnant women.

Perth forecast

Thursday: 43C, partly cloudy

Friday: 29C, partly cloudy

Saturday: 37C, mostly sunny

Sunday: 42C, partly cloudy

Monday: 41C, partly cloudy

Tuesday: 37C, partly cloudy

Wednesday: 30C, partly cloudy