A Heatwave Like No Other
Perth is sweating through its most intense March heatwave in 40 years, with temperatures staying above 35°C for five straight days. On Monday night, the city hit 38°C—an hour after sunset. Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Jessica Lingard confirmed this hasn’t happened since March 25, 1985. “It’s rare to see four days above 37°C,” she said. While records won’t be broken, vulnerable groups are urged to stay indoors.
Cyclone Watch Offshore
Meanwhile, a tropical low off the northwest coast could become a cyclone. Luckily, it’s expected to stay away from the mainland, heading toward the Cocos Islands. But authorities remain alert.
The heatwave isn’t just a fluke. Climate expert Bill Hare warns northern Australia could become “unliveable” within decades due to deadly heat and humidity. Areas like Broome and Katherine may soon face conditions too extreme for outdoor survival. “We’re already seeing lethal heat in parts of Asia—Australia is next,” Hare said.
A Glimpse of the Future
This heatwave mirrors a global trend. In 2003, Europe’s record heat killed 70,000 people. For Perth, lethal humidity isn’t imminent—but northern Australia is already experiencing bursts of deadly heat, killing livestock and wildlife. “The only solution is adaptation,” Hare stressed.
As WA battles heat and cyclones, one thing is clear: extreme weather is no longer rare. It’s a warning sign of what’s to come.
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