WA weather: Cool start to week for Perth short-lived as temperatures soar to 39C, heatwaves, flooding in north

As a severe heatwave continues to sear parts of northern WA amid a bushfire in the Wheatbelt, and a flood warning for the Pilbara, Perth’s seeming escape from the extreme weather will be short-lived.

Residents in communities near Northam have been warned it is too late to leave as an out-of-control bushfire rages in WA’s Wheatbelt region.

On Monday morning a flood warning was issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for the De Grey River catchment with minor flooding occurring in Marble Bar, Ripon Hills Road, Nullagine and Tumbinna Pool.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services advises people in affected areas to prepare for the possible need to relocate equipment and livestock.

A severe heatwave in the Kimberley and Gascoyne Districts has been moving south since Saturday and is expected to develop into an extreme heatwave later in the week.

Kununurra, Kalumburu, Mount Magnet and Wyndham will likely be impacted by the heatwave in the coming days.

Perth began the week with a relatively cool partly cloudy Monday at a maximum of 25C but temperatures will shoot up to 35C on Tuesday and reach a high for the week with 39C on Sunday.

Heavy rainfall over the past few days in the Pilbara region has led to the closure of roads and Karijini National Park.

On Friday, Marble Bar Primary School principal Adeline Monaghan posted a video online showing her difficulty driving through the Coongan River crossing.

“There was a short window to make the exit from Marble Bar so we took it. I had to get my teaching staff out. With the guidance of police and other experienced drivers, we were able to navigate the crossing safely,” Ms Monaghan said.

“This decision was not made lightly, but it was a necessary step to prioritise the wellbeing of everyone involved.”

Less than 24 hours later, WA Police deemed Coongan River “too dangerous to cross”.

A woman, aged in her 70s, had to be rescued on Saturday afternoon after she became stranded while driving across flood waters on Marble Bar Road, about 40km from the town. DFES confirmed she was in “good health” and personnel had managed to recover her car from the waters.

For the latest updates, check Emergency WA, contact local authorities, and check the Main Roads Travel Map.

Perth forecast

Monday: 25C, partly cloudy.

Tuesday: 35C, sunny.

Wednesday: 32C, sunny.

Thursday: 30C, sunny.

Friday: 34C, sunny.

Saturday: 36C, sunny.

Sunday: 39C, sunny.