Perth Sees Hottest New Year’s Day Since 1997, with Perth Cup Adjusted for Heat
Perth is off to an incredibly hot start in 2025, as the city recorded its highest New Year's Day temperatures since 1997. West Australians, undeterred by the sweltering heat, quickly took to the beaches and pools to cool off after ringing in the new year. If you weren’t enjoying the sun or the refreshing ocean waves, you were likely searching for ways to stay cool. On January 1, the Bureau of Meteorology confirmed that Perth reached a sweltering 38.2°C by 1 pm, with a forecasted maximum of 39°C for the day.
This intense heat is the result of a west coast trough bringing a heatwave across southwestern WA. The weather conditions are also contributing to an increase in fire dangers, particularly in inland regions. While the trough's effects will linger into January 2, a slight respite is expected by Friday as the trough moves east. The Bureau of Meteorology also predicts that Perth will experience above-average temperatures throughout the year, with February to April potentially bringing unusually warm conditions in the top 20% of historical temperature ranges.
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One of the most notable impacts of this extreme heat has been on the Perth Cup, a highly anticipated event in Western Australia’s racing calendar. To ensure the safety of both participants and spectators, the race start time was pushed to the latest ever in the event's history. Originally scheduled for earlier in the day, the first race now kicks off at 3:45 pm, after consulting with racing officials to adjust to the brutal heat. The revised schedule features seven races, down from the usual nine, with some contests moved to a later Saturday event.
Perth Racing's Chief Executive, James Oldring, explained that the late-afternoon timing was chosen to avoid the peak heat of the day, which would hit around 2 pm. With temperatures still hovering around 37°C, the breeze and low humidity by 3 pm will offer some relief as the mercury begins to drop. By 7 pm, when the final race takes place, temperatures are expected to cool down to a more manageable 31°C.
For many locals, the New Year’s heat also meant more time at the beach, where families made the most of the waves and the sea breeze. One father, who was at City Beach with his young son Maverick, reflected on how visiting the beach was a long-standing tradition for his family to start the year fresh. For him, it was symbolic – a way to wash away the old year and welcome in the new one with the rejuvenating power of the ocean.
With this intense heat, the first days of 2025 remind us of the challenges that come with extreme weather conditions. As we move forward into the summer months, it's essential to remain cautious and stay informed about potential risks such as heatwaves and fire dangers. It's clear that Perth is in for a sizzling summer, and the best way to survive the heat is to stay cool, hydrated, and enjoy the great outdoors.
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