A powerful thunderstorm is set to strike Perth this afternoon, bringing damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rain. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issued a severe weather warning just before 12:30 pm, urging residents to take immediate precautions.
Storm Racing Towards Perth CBD
The storm was first detected east of Guilderton and is rapidly moving southward. According to BOM, the northern suburbs of Perth, including Butler, Nowergup, and Pinjar, would experience the storm by 1:10 pm. The system will then hit Perth City, Joondalup, Ballajura, Hillarys, Scarborough, Stirling, and Wangara by 1:40 pm.
BOM warns that the storm could trigger flash flooding, uproot trees, and cause damage to homes, powerlines, and roads.
Authorities are advising people in affected areas to act now to avoid being caught in dangerous conditions.
See the Weather Update by BOM:
National Weather Forecast: Warm across the country, more storms out west
Video current: 2:00 pm AEDT 13 March 2025.
Latest forecasts and warnings: https://t.co/4W35o8iFmh or the BOM Weather app. pic.twitter.com/GMXKNcEifN
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) March 13, 2025
Authorities Issue Urgent Safety Advice
The Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) has released an urgent safety alert for residents in the warning zone. Authorities are strongly advising people to follow these safety measures:
- Seek shelter immediately. Stay away from trees, powerlines, and stormwater drains.
- Stay indoors. Close curtains and blinds, and keep away from windows.
- Unplug electrical appliances. Lightning can cause power surges and electrical fires.
- Avoid flooded areas. Create makeshift sandbags using pillowcases filled with sand to protect doorways.
- Leave water activities. If you are boating, swimming, or surfing, exit the water immediately.
- Drive cautiously. Turn on headlights, reduce speed, and avoid roads with fallen trees or powerlines.
- If visibility is poor due to heavy rain, pull over and park with hazard lights on until conditions improve.
Authorities stress that flash flooding can occur quickly, so residents must stay alert and follow emergency updates.
Severe Weather System Impacting Western Australia
The storm is part of a larger weather system affecting Western Australia’s southern and inland regions. A low-pressure system south of Perth is drawing in bands of heavy rain and storms.
BOM stated, “Bands of rain and storms are wrapping into this low-pressure area south of Perth.”
Areas such as the Wheatbelt, Great Southern, South Coast, and South Interior could experience severe storms. These areas are at risk of damaging wind gusts, heavy rainfall, and potential flash flooding.
Although Perth may receive less rainfall than inland regions, the city will still face dangerous winds and possible hailstorms.
Heatwave Grips Eastern Australia
While Perth braces for storms, eastern and central Australia are suffering through intense heat. Temperatures are soaring well above average, with no immediate relief in sight.
- Sydney will hit 31°C, with western suburbs reaching 35°C.
- Canberra will see highs of 33°C, with dry conditions.
- Northern Victoria will experience mid-to-upper 30s, particularly north of the ranges.
- South Australia will remain hot and dry, with temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s.
The heatwave is expected to continue through the weekend, with minimal cloud cover and little chance of rain. The next potential cool change is forecast for Sunday or early next week.
Queensland and Tasmania Face Different Weather Challenges
Meanwhile, Queensland is still recovering from minor flooding in the southeast. As river levels drop, conditions will gradually improve. However, showers will continue along the east coast, particularly near Townsville and Cairns, where up to 50mm of rain could fall today.
In Tasmania, residents are experiencing a mix of warm severe weather and showers. The day started sunny and pleasant, but a band of rain is expected to move across the southern half of the state around midday. Hobart could see showers before clearing skies return later in the afternoon.
Cooler temperatures will follow, bringing a more settled weekend for the region.
Scattered Storms Across Northern Australia
The northern parts of severe Australia will also see severe scattered storms and showers today. A trough in the Arafura Sea is likely to bring heavier showers along the northern coastline.
The Kimberley region will also experience storms, with rain reaching Broome but likely missing Port Hedland.
A few light showers may develop over severe central Australia, but most areas will remain hot and dry. In the Red Centre, Uluru is expected to reach 42°C today.
Stay Updated and Stay Safe
Authorities are urging residents in affected severe areas to stay informed and take action to protect themselves and their property.
The Bureau of Meteorology and Emergency WA will continue severe to monitor the situation. Residents can check:
- The Bureau of Meteorology website for the latest weather updates.
- The BOM Weather app for live warnings and forecasts.
- Emergency WA alerts for safety instructions and evacuation notices.
As Perth prepares for the oncoming storm, residents severe are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and take all necessary precautions.
