WA nears 50°C as record-breaking heatwave continues

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Western Australia is in the grip of a record-breaking heatwave, with temperatures pushing close to 50 degrees in parts of the state.

The remote town of Paraburdoo set a new record overnight, recording a minimum of 35.8 degrees — the highest overnight low ever seen in WA and one of the hottest minimums recorded nationally.

Daytime temperatures climbed even higher. Onslow Airport reached 49 degrees, making it the hottest location on Earth yesterday, despite falling short of state and national records.

The contrast was stark. While Onslow baked, the coldest place on the planet — Russia’s Republic of Sakha — plunged to minus 53.5 degrees. That put WA more than 100 degrees warmer on the same day.

The extreme heat is spreading across the country and driving dangerous bushfire conditions. Temperatures topped 43 degrees in every state and territory except the ACT, while Melbourne recorded its hottest day since 2020.

Weather experts warn the heat will significantly raise fire risk over the coming days. All of Victoria will be under a total fire ban tomorrow, with authorities flagging catastrophic bushfire conditions.

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