Perth Heatwave: Latest Updates, Warnings & Safety Tips
When temperatures soar across Western Australia, a Perth heatwave might put the resilience of residents and visitors to the test. The extreme weather brings increased risks of dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and power strain across the region.
But worry not, this guide provides the latest 2025-2026 updates on temperature trends, forecasts, and official warnings. You will also learn about the early signs of heat-related illness and expert safety advice to help you stay cool and protected!
What Is the Heatwave and When Does It Strike Perth?
A Perth heatwave is a period of excessively hot weather, defined as temperatures exceeding 35°C for three or more consecutive days. Perth heatwave weather is the result of high-pressure systems that trap warm air over the region, leading to prolonged heat buildup. It’s often accompanied by low humidity and strong winds that exacerbate fire risks.
In Perth, heatwaves most commonly strike during the summer months from December to February, but they can extend into spring and autumn. December is particularly notorious for extreme heatwaves, with dry conditions amplifying the impact on daily life, agriculture, and wildlife.
For 2025, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecasted an increased chance of hotter-than-average summers across Australia. Recent warnings in October 2025 showed severe heatwave conditions in Western Australia's south interior districts, with temperatures spiking up to 15°C above average in some areas. Marine heatwaves off the WA coast persisted into mid-2025, affecting coral reefs and potentially signalling broader atmospheric warming.
As of November 2025, experts predict more frequent heat events, with the Perth extreme heatwave December likely to face multiple days over 40°C. The long-range forecast for the December 2025 to February 2026 summer period indicates a 60-80% chance of above-average maximum temperatures across most of Western Australia. There is an increased risk of heatwaves during this period, with general climate trends showing heat events are becoming more likely, more intense, and longer-lasting due to climate change.
Where Can You Get Heatwave Warnings?
Staying ahead of a Perth heatwave requires reliable sources. Here are the places to get warnings and forecasts.
Bureau of Meteorology: BOM is the primary authority for real-time heatwave maps, forecasts, and alerts across Australia. You can find the latest warnings and specialised observations for the Perth heatwave weather.
Emergency WA: The state's official website for community warnings and emergency management information, including heatwave Perth alerts.
Weatherzone: Weatherzone offers detailed heatwave warnings and weather updates for specific regions like Perth.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES): It manages warning systems for hazards, including heatwaves, with information on total fire bans and fire danger ratings.
Who Is Most at Risk?
When the Perth extreme heatwave weather strikes, groups below might face greater health risks due to physiological vulnerabilities and environmental exposure.
Elderly Individuals Over 65
Older adults regulate body temperature less efficiently, making them prone to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke during prolonged heat. Many also take medications that can worsen dehydration or reduce sweating.
Children and Infants
Young children and babies have smaller bodies that absorb heat more quickly and release it more slowly than adults. They rely entirely on caregivers for proper hydration and may have difficulty expressing when they feel uncomfortable, overheated, or unwell, making them especially vulnerable in hot or stressful environments.
Pregnant Women
Expectant mothers are more sensitive to high temperatures, as heat increases heart rate and fluid loss. Prolonged exposure to high Perth heatwave temperatures can lead to dizziness, dehydration, or pregnancy complications such as preterm labour.
People with Pre-existing Conditions
Those with heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory illnesses face additional dangers during heatwaves. A high temperature can worsen breathing difficulties, elevate heart strain, and interfere with medication effectiveness.
Outdoor Workers, Athletes, and The Homeless
People who spend long hours outdoors, such as tradies, athletes, or those without shelter, can face intensified risks from direct sun exposure, limited hydration, and restricted access to shade or cooling during a Perth heatwave.
What Are the Signs of Heat-Related Illness and What Should You Do?
Heat-related illnesses range from mild to severe and require quick action, especially during a Perth heatwave. Here are the signs to prevent serious health complications and even save lives.
Heat rash: Appearing as small red bumps or blisters, heat rash develops when sweat ducts become blocked. Keep the skin dry, wear loose clothing, and stay in a cool, ventilated space.
Heat cramps: Painful muscle spasms, often in the legs, arms, or abdomen, occur due to loss of salt and fluids through sweat. Stretch gently, rehydrate, and rest in a cool environment to recover.
Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and muscle cramps: These symptoms signal heat exhaustion, an early warning that the body is overheating. Move to a shaded area, hydrate with water or electrolytes, and rest until you feel stable.
Body temperature above 40°C, confusion, rapid heartbeat, hot, dry skin, and loss of consciousness: These are signs of heatstroke, a critical medical emergency. Call 000 immediately, move the person to a cool area, and apply wet cloths or ice packs to lower the temperature.
How Can You Stay Safe During a Heatwave?
Now that you know the dangers of extreme temperatures, it’s time to prepare. To navigate a Perth heatwave safely, follow these practical tips to protect yourself and those around you.
Prioritise hydration: Drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily to replace fluids lost through sweat. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they dehydrate the body and increase heat-related health risks.
Wear appropriate clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothes that reflect sunlight. Protect yourself outdoors with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and an umbrella to reduce direct exposure to UV rays.
Stay indoors during peak heat: Avoid outdoor activities between 10 AM and 4 PM, when temperatures are highest. Use air conditioning or fans to maintain a comfortable indoor climate and prevent overheating.
Block sunlight and take cool showers: Close curtains or blinds during the day to keep rooms cooler. Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature and refresh during extreme heat conditions.
Check on vulnerable people: Regularly monitor elderly neighbours, children, and people with medical conditions. Make sure they have access to cool environments, plenty of water, and necessary medical care if symptoms appear.
Limit strenuous activities: Exercise during the early morning or late evening when it’s cooler. Eat light, balanced meals to avoid raising body heat and prevent dehydration during the Perth heatwave.
Never leave anyone in a car: Never leave children, pets, or elderly individuals inside a parked vehicle. Interior temperatures can soar within minutes, leading to fatal heat exposure even with windows slightly open.
Use portable cooling solutions: During a Perth heatwave, food, drinks, and medical supplies can spoil quickly. A reliable portable cooling system helps preserve essentials, whether you are camping, working outdoors, or facing power outages. The EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer is a great choice for keeping perishables safe in any condition. Its high-efficiency compressor ensures rapid cooling, while the dual-zone design maintains both frozen and chilled items. It’s perfect for travel, emergencies, or extended outdoor adventures.
EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer
Invest in air conditioning options: Even if your home cooling system performs well, a portable air conditioner can be a valuable backup. You can stay comfortable and safe even in Perth’s harshest heatwaves.
When temperatures soar or power interruptions occur, a unit like the EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner delivers reliable, high-performance cooling you can count on. Designed for powerful airflow and energy efficiency, it keeps any space comfortably cool throughout the hottest Perth heatwave days.
EcoFlow WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner
Conclusion
Perth’s summer heat can be tough, but a little preparation goes a long way. Stay updated with official heatwave alerts, check in on vulnerable friends and neighbours, and follow essential safety steps to stay cool and healthy. Preparation remains the best defence against a Perth heatwave. Just equip yourself with reliable cooling solutions like EcoFlow’s portable fridge and air conditioner. They can help you manage the heat with ease and enjoy a safer, more comfortable summer!
FAQs
What is the hottest it's ever been in Perth?
Perth’s highest recorded temperature is 46.2°C, measured on February 23, 1991. This extreme heat was part of a severe heatwave that affected much of Western Australia.
Some areas in the metropolitan region reported slightly higher readings of 46.7°C, indicating the intensity of that extreme weather event.
With climate change influencing regional temperatures, experts warn Perth could soon see similar or even higher records, emphasising the importance of preparation and heat safety awareness.
How many days over 40 has Perth had this summer?
In the 2024-2025 summer, Perth endured one of its hottest seasons, recording at least 9 days above 40°C, with more expected as heatwaves continued into late February.
This aligns with Australia’s broader trend of increasing extreme heat events caused by a warming climate.
Experts note that rising global temperatures amplify the frequency and duration of these hot days, urging residents to stay informed and prioritise heatwave preparedness.
What indoor temperature is safe during a heatwave?
To stay safe during a heatwave, keep indoor temperatures below 25-26°C, as higher levels can cause heat stress, dehydration, and fatigue.
Set air conditioning to around 25.5°C (78°F) for comfort and energy efficiency. Fans help only if the room temperatures stay under 32°C (90°F).
Health experts recommend keeping vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly and children, in cool, ventilated spaces to prevent dangerous heat buildup indoors.
Are summers getting hotter in Australia?
Yes. Australian summers are growing hotter due to climate change, with average national temperatures rising 1.51°C since 1910. The 2024-2025 summer ranked among the country’s hottest on record.
Heatwaves now occur earlier and longer, increasing fire and health risks across the country, as seen in recent records.
Experts attribute this rise to greenhouse gas emissions and warn that extreme temperatures will worsen unless emissions are reduced significantly in the coming decades.