Perth Prepares for Unprecedented March Heatwave Amid Cyclone Threat

Perth is anticipating an unusual heatwave in March, with temperatures forecasted to exceed 35 degrees Celsius for five days, a rarity for the season. Meteorologists are monitoring a tropical low that may develop into a cyclone, but it is not expected to impact the mainland.

Perth is bracing for an extraordinary heatwave, with temperatures not witnessed in March for 40 years. Forecasts predict that the maximum temperature in the city will exceed 35 degrees Celsius for the next five days. Meteorologists have indicated that a tropical low has formed off Western Australia’s north-west coast, which has the potential to develop into a cyclone.

The severe heatwave encompasses a wide area, stretching from Exmouth in the north to Perth and as far south as Esperance. Parts of the Gascoyne region are also expected to experience extreme heat conditions over the next three days. According to Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecaster Jessica Lingard, this heatwave marks the first instance of sustained high temperatures typical of March since 1985, when Perth experienced similar weather patterns.

Ms. Lingard noted, “The last time we saw a run of extreme heat like this was almost exactly to the day 40 years ago… March 25, 1985, [Perth] also had a run of days above 37°C.” She pointed out that while sustained warm days are not entirely unusual for this time of year, having four days above 37 degrees Celsius and five days above 35 degrees Celsius is indeed atypical. Authorities encourage vulnerable individuals to take precautions during this heatwave.

In addition, the tropical low off WA’s north-west coast is anticipated to move south-west and may develop into a tropical cyclone, named Courtney should it achieve that status. Nevertheless, it is projected that this system will not impact the mainland, remaining off the Pilbara coast and drifting towards the south of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands by the weekend.

In summary, Perth is poised to experience an unusual heatwave, with temperatures possibly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius for five consecutive days. This phenomenon has not occurred in March for four decades, prompting safety advisories from meteorologists. Additionally, a tropical low could evolve into a cyclone, although it is not expected to affect mainland Australia.

Original Source: www.abc.net.au