HOT AND DRY CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR NORTH WEST WA IN COMING MONTHS

BY GERARD MAZZA

The Bureau of Meteorology says the Pilbara and Kimberley regions should expect hotter and drier weather than usual for the time of year over coming months.

Australia is experiencing an El Niño weather event, which means North West Western Australia can expect extreme heat, high fire risk, and a later start than usual to wet season rains.

Bureau Manager of Decision Support Todd Smith said global warming due to climate change also increased the likelihood of extreme heat.

“Things are warmer than they used to be, by a degree or so, and then the El Niño comes in on top of that, and often will influence warmer conditions,” he said.

“The combination between the two means that, in years like this, unfortunately we’re going to nudge those record temperatures that can be observed in this part of the country.”

Cyclone activity in the Pilbara is less severe in El Nino years, but remains a risk.

Department of Fire and Emergency Services Services Pilbara Superintendent Darryl Ray said people should still make sure they are cyclone-ready.

“Because of that message of, ‘It may be later,’ we don’t want people to be complacent,” he said.

“We’re still in the number one cyclone zone for the country, and if one’s going to hit Australia it’s likely to hit around here, so we want people to be prepared early.”

Listen to an interview with Todd Smith and Darryl Ray: