Between the cricket and the searing heat, the word “scorcher” gets thrown around a lot in a Perth summer.
But if you had to come up with one word to describe the start to 2024, there would be none better.
We are barely halfway through the month, but February heat records have already tumbled across the City of Swan, where residents have sweltered through one scorcher after another.
And incredibly, it seems the hottest weather is yet to come.
With another severe heatwave set to start on Saturday, it is worth looking at the risks of extreme heat, and what we can do to look after ourselves and each other.
But first, just how hot has it been?
After a relatively mild start to the summer in Perth, there have been three heatwaves so far this year.
The Bureau of Meteorology has two main weather stations in the City, located at Millendon in the Swan Valley and RAAF Base Pearce in Bullsbrook.
Both of those weather stations have registered seven days over 40C in the first 16 days of February.
They are on track for an average February maximum of more than 38C – comfortably higher than any other monthly record.
At RAAF Base Pearce, where weather data stretches back well over half a century, there have been five days over 44C so far this February.
The previous record for February was two days over 44C.
Weather data only goes back to 2017 at Millendon, but the 45.1C maximum on February 1 was easily the hottest maximum in those seven years.
That record could be broken as soon as this weekend, with temperatures forecast to soar to 45C at Millendon on Sunday and Monday.
At RAAF Base Pearce, the all-time heat record of 46C in January 1977 is under threat, with a maximum of 46C forecast for Monday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for a severe heatwave for Perth from Saturday to Monday, however heatwave conditions are expected to continue into Tuesday across the City of Swan.
As is usually the case, temperatures are forecast to be higher across Swan than in parts of Perth closer to the coast.
Extreme heat increases the risk of health conditions such as dehydration, heat stress and heat stroke.
Babies, young children, the elderly and people with certain health conditions are more at-risk of experiencing these conditions.
During severe heatwaves, the City’s libraries, Swan Active leisure centres and youth centres offer respite from the heat for those who do not have access to air-conditioning. Water is also available at these facilities.
Here’s what you can do to look after yourself and others:
- Keep an eye on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours
- Seek air-conditioned areas. If you don’t have one at home, visit public places in the City of Swan such as our libraries, Swan Active centres and youth centres
- Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Keep out of the sun as much as possible and if you need to go out, stay SunSmart: www.sunsmart.com.au/protect-your-skin
- Keep pets indoors or provide them with lots of shade
- Never leave your animals in a vehicle, even with the windows down
- Get help if you start showing signs of heat stress such as excessive sweating, headache, vomiting or confusion.
For more advice about heat-related illnesses, symptoms and treatments, visit www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Heatwave-be-prepared-for-extreme-heat/Health-impacts.
Heatwaves also bring with them an increased risk of bushfire, so stay alert and keep up to date with emergency warnings by visiting www.emergency.wa.gov.au.