BOM says Mid West, Gascoyne set for warm summer as DFES warns residents to be emergency ready

The Bureau of Meteorology says a cooler lead up to the summer months in the Mid West and Gascoyne will not lead to a milder than usual holiday season, with warm weather expected to finish the year.

Last year Geraldton sweated through a scorching summer, with a maximum of 49.3C on February 18 which broke a 70-year maximum temperature record.

It came after one of the driest winters on record, with most Mid West and Gascoyne areas recording low or very low rainfall, according to BOM.

Meteorologist James Ashley said the season so far had been cooler than last year.

“This time last year through most of the west of the State was incredibly hot and dry, following a very dry winter through the Mid West and Gascoyne last year,” he said.

“This time we’re seeing quite different conditions. We had a very wet winter, particularly through that Shark Bay and Kalbarri area, but basically everywhere from Carnarvon down to Geraldton had an above-average rainfall across winter.

“That has implications for fuel growth and fire risk, but also it’s been a lot cooler as well.”

Another difference this year is the risk of cyclones, which according to BOM is trending to be a “more normal type season”.

“It’s a different set-up this year round; last year the cyclone season had less than normal risk for cyclones across WA,” Mr Ashley said.

“While this season is more normal, that always brings with it risk.

“So there’s still a chance of cyclones right across not just the northern part of the State but down the coast as well.”

He warned with tropical cyclones came the risk of associated floods and the predicted warm weather meant there was fire risk.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services said there were precautions people could take to be ready in case of a natural disaster.

District officer Elsa Alston said preparing now could help prevent damage occurring in the future.

“Take the time now while it’s still relatively cool to do those preparations,” she said.

“Clear vegetation, clean your gutters out and closer to an event strap down loose items or furniture.

“It’s about making sure you are as prepared as you can be, because we know that’s what alters the outcome and helps people or a community bounce back and increases their resilience levels.”

DFES encouraged people to prepare their own bushfire plan through its “got 15 minutes to burn?” campaign, which guided users through making a survival plan and preparing an emergency kit.

More information on how to prepare for natural disasters is available on the DFES website.