Tristan Meyers, 06 Feb 2016, 2:36 AM UTC
WA heatwave leading to bushfire weather
Fire danger is set to rise as Perth and many western parts of Western Australia are experiencing what could be a record breaking summer heat wave.
Weeks after the Waroona/Yarloop bushfires, the Perth region and adjacent fire weather districts are on track to reach severe fire danger thresholds by Monday.
Although temperatures have been hot during the last few days, they are continuing to warm. Combined with strengthening northeasterly winds from Monday, this will dry out the bushland which is already browner-than-normal.
A total fire ban is already in place for parts of the Perth Metropolitan, Goldfields, Midlands and South West districts today. Additionally, extreme fire danger is being experienced further north, in parts of the Midwest/Gascoyne today, in addition to total fire bans.
There is little relief in sight for the heat. Although Saturday 13th looks to have cooler oceanic winds due to a front coming through, models indicate that heat may develop very quickly afterwards, bringing another two or three day run of hot days. This front doesn't look particularly moisture-laden either, so it may only raise the humidity across the region for a day or so. It is important to follow the advice of fire authorities during this time, and have a bushfire survival plan on the ready.
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