Key Takeaways
- Perth is expected to experience its hottest Christmas morning in over 110 years, with overnight temperatures staying above 26C and daytime highs reaching 41C.
- The heatwave is expected to bring extreme fire danger warnings and total fire bans to several regional shires and districts.
- Authorities are urging West Australians to take extra precautions to stay cool, hydrated, and safe during the heatwave.
- Seafood is expected to be a popular choice for Christmas menus, with Kailis Bros selling around 12.5 tonnes of seafood during their 36-hour marathon.
- Firefighter fatigue is a major concern, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services bringing in additional resources to tackle potential bushfires.
Introduction to the Heatwave
Perth is bracing itself for its hottest Christmas morning in over 110 years, with overnight temperatures expected to stay above 26C and daytime highs tipped to soar to 41C. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, this would mark Perth’s hottest Christmas Day minimum in more than a century, with the last time it happened being in 1915. A 41C maximum would also be significant, making it Perth’s hottest Christmas Day since 2021, when the temperature reached 42.8C.
Christmas Shopping and Seafood
With the heatwave expected to bring scorching temperatures, West Australians are stocking up on fresh seafood for their Christmas menus. Kailis Bros, a family-owned business, is celebrating its 100th Christmas with its annual 36-hour seafood marathon, which runs from 6am on Tuesday to 6pm on Christmas Eve. Owner Matt Kailis expects to sell around 12.5 tonnes of seafood during the marathon, with former WA treasurer Ben Wyatt being a return customer. Seafood is a staple for many West Australian families during Christmas, with Mr. Wyatt saying, "It is very much a tradition, I do a whole fish every year – this year it’s a red emperor."
Heatwave Warnings and Precautions
The predicted heatwave comes with plenty of warnings, and authorities are urging West Australians to be vigilant about keeping themselves cool and hydrated and their food safe from spoiling. Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Robert Lawry is among those urging everyone to take extra precautions, saying, "Hydrate, stay out of the sun, and take those extra precautions." The Department of Fire and Emergency Services deputy commissioner Craig Waters also warned that firefighter fatigue is a major concern, given the already high number of fires this summer.
Fire Safety and Emergency Services
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is more prepared than ever to tackle any bushfires that flare up during the Christmas heatwave, with a record 38 aircraft available for this high-risk period. However, Mr. Waters said that managing fatigue among volunteers and career firefighters is a major challenge. Water Police are also expecting tens of thousands of boaties to hit the water this Christmas long weekend, raising the risk of emergencies. Assistant director of marine services Mark Eatts is urging boat owners to ensure they have the right precautions in place before heading out, including wearing life jackets.
Food Safety and Health
WA Health executive director of environmental health Jane Cook is reminding people to take extra precautions when preparing and serving food and saving leftovers during the holidays. She said, "To stay well this summer, follow four simple rules – clean, separate, cook and chill." With the heatwave expected to bring extreme temperatures, food-borne bacteria are likely to thrive, making it essential for people to take extra care when handling and storing food.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Perth is expected to experience a scorching hot Christmas, with temperatures reaching record highs. While the heatwave brings many challenges, including extreme fire danger warnings and food safety concerns, West Australians are preparing for the festive season by stocking up on seafood and taking extra precautions to stay cool and safe. With the right precautions and awareness, everyone can enjoy a safe and happy Christmas.
