Storms, Showers, Gusty Winds Hit WA

For today, it's going to be a hot and windy day as gusty north to north-easterly winds are being drawn down into this low-pressure trough. With these hot and windy conditions, elevated fire dangers are expected across the area, reaching extreme levels along the central west coast where a fire weather warning is in place. There's also a risk of dry lightning across the Central West and the Gascoyne, increasing the chance of wildfire ignition.

As we head into tomorrow, showers and storms with areas of rain are expected to extend into southern and central parts. Moderate rainfall is possible, particularly about inland areas, and showers and storms are also forecast for Perth tomorrow with gusty winds likely, especially around the Escarpment.

Looking at the thunderstorm outlook, thunderstorms are possible tomorrow anywhere within the green area on the map, but within the yellow area, severe thunderstorms are possible, bringing heavy rainfall that may lead to flash flooding. This includes the central Wheatbelt and parts of the southern Gascoyne.

By Wednesday, an even larger area of thunderstorms is possible across much of the state, with severe thunderstorms likely extending from southern parts into the interior. These storms may bring heavy rainfall, large hail, or damaging winds. Over the coming days, impacts could include damage to trees and property, flash flooding leading to hazardous driving conditions, and potential effects on agriculture during the harvest season.

On Wednesday, the low-pressure system will approach and eventually cross the coast, pushing the rainband further eastwards into central and eastern parts. Shower and storm risks will continue through southern areas. For Perth, showers and storms are again forecast for Wednesday but are expected to ease during the day.

Heading into Thursday, the low-pressure system will move out into the Great Australian Bight, with the rainband breaking up and moving eastwards. Showers and storms will ease across the state, and a ridge of high pressure will build in, bringing more settled conditions by Friday.

Rainfall totals between now and Wednesday evening are expected to exceed 10 mm across much of the region, with 20-50 mm possible in southern and central parts, as well as along the south-west coast.

If you live across southern or central parts of WA, now's the time to stay up to date with forecasts and warnings via the Bureau website, app, or social media. And as always, listen to advice from your local emergency services.

Bye for now.