Heatwave
Self-cloning Shark Bay seagrass takes title of world’s largest plant
A seagrass meadow in waters off the westernmost point of Australia appears to be one big plant that has expanded from a single seedling to cover 200 square kilometres.
- by Peter de Kruijff
Latest
Explainer
Extreme weather
You can complain about how cold it is, just don’t call it a ‘polar vortex’
When is a weather term clear and accurate? When is it overblown? And what’s the forecast for terms we’ll be hearing more often?
- by Stuart Layt
As temperatures go through the roof, are our homes fit for summer?
Western Sydney councils are building evacuation centres in Sydney’s heat bowl as experts raise the alarm that newly built homes are not fit for Australian summers.
- by Tawar Razaghi
‘Homes aren’t safe’: Western Sydney prepares evacuation shelters for hot summers
Western Sydney councils want heatwaves to be treated as seriously as fires and floods, as the region faces dangerously hot summers.
- by Andrew Taylor
Explainer
Healthcare
What does heat do to the body – and how does it kill?
Deadly heatwaves are on the rise around the globe. But what does the heat do to us - and what’s the best way to stay cool?
- by Sherryn Groch
‘Living in swelter boxes’: January 27 the deadliest day for heatwave deaths
Australian heatwaves are posing a greater threat to life than any other natural hazard, including bushfires and floods, and will increase with climate change.
- by Miki Perkins
Perth on the cusp of heatwave record with city set to sweat through weekend
The mercury hit 40 degrees on both Tuesday and Wednesday in Perth’s CBD, and it is forecast to hit 40 over Friday and Saturday.
- by Holly Thompson
Updated
Bushfires
Karrakatta bushfire warning downgraded as Perth hits 42C
A bushfire advice warning remains in place for people in an area bounded by Aberdare Road, Winthrop Avenue, Smyth Road, Carrington Street, Loch Street and Railway Road.
- by Daile Cross
Updated
Power outage
‘Hundreds of millions’ not reinvested to prevent WA power outages: Opposition
The state opposition has accused the McGowan government of draining Western Power financially while exposing residents to life-threatening dangers from power outages.
- by Aja Styles
WA Boxing Day: Thousands of homes without power, extreme weather, fire bans
Thousands of homes across Perth suburbs affected by network outages are still without power this Boxing Day as temperatures are expected to reach a record-breaking 44-degree maximum.
- by staff writer
Hottest Perth Christmas on record forecast with ‘unusual’ heatwave
Average temperatures across the state over the Christmas period are expected to break records across the state.
- by Holly Thompson