Key Takeaways:
- A heatwave warning has been issued for several regions in Western Australia, including the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields, Eucla, North and South Interior, and the Central Wheatbelt.
- Temperatures are expected to rise above 40C in these areas, with some regions reaching the mid-40s by the start of next week.
- The Pilbara, Wheatbelt, and Great Southern regions will experience very hot and sunny conditions, with temperatures reaching 40C and above.
- Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Newman, and Port Hedland will experience extremely high temperatures, with Kalgoorlie reaching a maximum of 44C on Monday.
- Perth’s metro area will have a more comfortable weekend, with temperatures in the low thirties.
Introduction to the Heatwave
The first weekend of 2026 is set to be a scorcher for parts of Western Australia, with temperatures expected to soar past 40C in several regions. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a heatwave warning for the Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields, Eucla, North and South Interior, and the Central Wheatbelt, indicating that harsh heat will hit these areas over the weekend and continue to intensify by the start of next week. Meteorologist Angus Hines has warned that sunshine is in store for most of WA, with severe conditions sweeping across large parts of the State.
Temperature Forecast
According to Hines, temperatures will be around the mid-thirties across the west coast and will rise to about 40C for the Wheatbelt, Great Southern, and parts of the interior. The Pilbara region will experience very hot and sunny conditions, with temperatures reaching 40C in inland areas. Kalgoorlie is expected to swelter through a maximum of 41C on Saturday, with the mercury tipped to reach 43C on Sunday and 44C on Monday. Other areas, such as Karratha, Newman, and Port Hedland, will also experience extremely high temperatures, with Karratha reaching 39C over the weekend and Newman reaching 43C on Sunday.
Regional Breakdown
The heatwave will not be limited to the Pilbara region, with other areas such as Northam and York expected to experience maximums of 40C and 41C across the weekend. The Goldfields region will also experience very hot conditions, with temperatures reaching the mid-40s by the start of next week. In contrast, Perth’s metro area will have a more comfortable weekend, with temperatures in the city expected to hover around the low thirties. The Bureau of Meteorology has released a forecast for Perth, which indicates sunny conditions throughout the week, with temperatures ranging from 20-33C.
Perth Weather Forecast
The Perth weather forecast indicates that the city will experience a sunny weekend, with temperatures ranging from 22-33C on Saturday and 21-33C on Sunday. The warm weather is expected to continue throughout the week, with temperatures ranging from 19-29C on Tuesday and 17-30C on Wednesday. The forecast is sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology and is subject to change. However, it is clear that Perth will experience a more comfortable weekend compared to other parts of the state, which will be sweltering in the heat.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the first weekend of 2026 is set to be a scorcher for parts of Western Australia, with temperatures expected to rise above 40C in several regions. The heatwave warning issued by the Bureau of Meteorology indicates that harsh heat will hit these areas over the weekend and continue to intensify by the start of next week. It is essential for residents in affected areas to take necessary precautions to stay safe during the heatwave, such as staying hydrated, staying indoors during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. By being aware of the forecast and taking necessary precautions, residents can minimize the risks associated with the heatwave and stay safe throughout the weekend.