WA weather: Authorities issue warning ahead of scorching heatwave set to sizzle through parts of StateCain AndrewsPerthNowMon, 12 January 2026 5:00PMCommentsComments
People in parts of WA are set to swelter through a scorching heatwave this week, prompting authorities to issue a fresh warning.
Emergency services WA posted a heatwave watch and act alert about 4:301pm for people in Kununurra, Sturt Creek, Balgo, Tanami, Telfer, Kunawarritji, Gingerah and St George Ranges.
“An extreme heatwave is impacting this area,” the warning stated.
“Severe conditions are impacting additional widespread areas in the Kimberley and Pilbara including the Dampier Peninsula.
“Heatwaves are dangerous. Take extra care to prevent heat stress and heat stroke. In extreme circumstances you could be hospitalised or die.”
The Bureau of Meteorology also issued an extreme heatwave warning for the Pilbara and a severe heatwave warning in the Kimberley this week.
“The heatwave is increasing temperatures through parts of the interior of WA, the Kimberley region, and especially around the Pilbara district,” meteorologist Jessica Lingard said.
“There is significant heat in the northern parts of WA at the moment, and it is not likely to see much of that heat clearing up anytime soon.
“Temperatures (this week) are likely to still be sitting in the mid to high-40s, especially in many areas of the Pilbara and Kimberley.”
The BOM is forecasting temperatures will reach the mid to high-40s in parts of the Pilbara including Marble Bar, Newman, Onslow and Roebourne.
The scorching temperatures have already made an appearance for some WA residents, with the bureau revealing weather stations in the State’s north captured notably high readings on Thursday.
“Forty-seven (degrees) is the maximum in Paraburdoo (on January 8) with Marble Bar following behind at 44C,” Ms Lingard said.
“There are also some places in parts of the western Pilbara where temperatures are nudging close to 50C — while residents are likely to see these temperatures, a lack of weather stations in the Pilbara means it is highly unlikely we will see them recorded.”
The scorching heat has also fuelled concerns over increased bushfires, with three out-of-control blazes in Victoria attributed to the “catastrophic weather conditions”.
Ms Lingard said the spate of scorching temperatures increased the chance of bushfires in Western Australia.
“Bad fire weather days are days when it’s hot, it’s dry and it’s windy, and that can help to flame bushfires further,” she said.
“When we do see these really hot days, it is concerning when we have a quieter period for WA’s north in terms of typical wet-season activity.
“As we move into next week, we do see a bit of a drying trend for the Kimberley and Pilbara regions — so when there are no showers or thunderstorms, it does make things more concerning for bushfire risk.”
The BOM has encouraged residents in the affected areas to seek a place to keep cool, to close windows and draw blinds, and to use fans and air-conditioners where available.
Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for older people, babies, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and people with medical conditions.
Despite the rising temperatures in the State’s north, the Perth metropolitan area recorded a beautiful sunny weekend — with temperatures on Sunday reaching 33C.
The sweltering conditions to come follow uncomfortable conditions last week.
Temperatures exceeded 40C over several days in parts of the Pilbara last week, with temperatures at Onslow Airport reaching 49C on January 7 — the highest temperature recorded anywhere in the world on that day.
Parts of Western Australia hit highs nearing 50C as a nationwide heatwave crosses over the State.
Severe heatwave conditions slammed residents in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, NSW, and parts of Western Australia from Thursday, January 8 to Monday, January 12.
Heatwave safety advice can be found here.
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