Perth faces a significant heatwave, with temperatures expected to exceed 35 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days, marking a rare occurrence not seen in 40 years. Concurrently, a tropical low is developing off the north-west coast, with potential cyclone formation, but it is unlikely to impact the mainland.
Perth is bracing for an extraordinary hot spell in March, which has not occurred in 40 years. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts that the maximum temperature will surpass 35 degrees Celsius for the next five days, marking an unusual phenomenon for late March. Notably, meteorologists are also monitoring a tropical low off Western Australia’s north-west coast, with the potential to develop into a cyclone.
A severe heatwave is set to impact regions from Exmouth in the north to Perth and across to Esperance in the south over the next few days. Parts of the Gascoyne region will also experience extreme heatwave conditions. According to Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jessica Lingard, the last occurrence of such extreme heat was approximately 40 years ago, with similar temperatures recorded on March 25, 1985.
While such warm days are not entirely unusual for this time of year, Lingard highlighted that it is rare to have four consecutive days above 37C or five consecutive days exceeding 35C in March. She advised members of the community, particularly those vulnerable to heat, to take preventive measures against the escalating temperatures and to exercise caution when engaging in outdoor activities.
In tandem with the heatwave, a tropical low is developing off the north-west coast, anticipated to track south-westward this week. There is a significant probability that this system will evolve into a tropical cyclone named Courtney, although it is projected to remain offshore and will not affect the Australian mainland. The BOM estimates that it will move westward towards the southern region of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands by the weekend.
In conclusion, Perth is set to experience an unprecedented heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days; a scenario not witnessed in 40 years. While precautions are recommended for heat-sensitive individuals, the ongoing development of a tropical low may lead to further weather events offshore, although no immediate mainland impact is expected. The overall conditions underscore the necessity for vigilance during such climatic extremes.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
