WA weather: Severe heatwave warning issued for people in Broome, Derby and Kununurra

Just days after WA copped thunderstorms and damaging winds, a severe heatwave warning has been issued for parts of the State.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued the warning on Sunday warning people in the Kimberley district about extremely high temperatures.

“A prolonged period of heat is forecast over northern WA, with maximum temperatures in the high thirties to low forties and minimum temperatures in the mid twenties,” the BoM stated.

“Heatwave conditions are expected to intensify over the weekend and into next week.”

Locations mentioned in the severe heatwave warning include Broome, Derby and Kununurra.

Kununurra is expected to reach 41C on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people especially older people, babies, children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell.

The Department of Health urges people in the heatwave area to start taking action and preparing for very hot conditions.

How to prepare for a heatwave:

• Check air-conditioners and fans are working and set to the ‘cool’ setting.
• If you need to service or replace your air-conditioner or fan, do so before summer.
• Keep your home cool by keeping windows closed and shutting all blinds and curtains.
• Have a battery, solar or wind-up powered torch and radio available. Have spare batteries on hand.
• Stock up on food so you are less likely to have to go outside. Take care when you buy, store and handle food in hot weather to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
• Wrap medications needing refrigeration in foil or heat-repellent containers with an icepack to keep them cool if there is a power outage.
• Keep electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops charged.
• Keep in regular contact with family, friends and neighbours.
• If you have acute or chronic medical conditions, talk to your doctor about the best ways to cool down during very hot weather.
• If your doctor normally limits your fluids or you are on fluid tablets, you may need to check how much to drink in hot weather.

While it won’t reach anywhere close to 40C in Perth, the metro area is in for some glorious weather.

Skies are set to be clear apart from a slight chance of a shower on Wednesday and temperatures will reach a searing 30C on Friday.