WA heatwave heads south as authorities launch new ‘call for help’ weather service

1 month ago 5

Authorities say a new service aimed at helping some of the state’s most vulnerable residents is up and running as a heatwave impacting the north of the state moves toward Perth.

The north of the state has been sweltering through temperatures in the mid-40s for the last week throughout the Pilbara and Gascoyne.

The mercury will soar to 39 degrees in Perth on Tuesday.

The heat is expected to travel further south on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the Bureau of Meteorology has predicted the mercury in Perth to reach 39 degrees on both days before dropping dramatically on Friday.

While a heatwave warning remains active for the Gascoyne and the Pilbara, the West Australian government said on Tuesday it was important Perth residents knew there were services available to them too.

“Western Australians vulnerable to extreme heat can register for TeleRedi, a free welfare check service is a Cook government-funded service, delivered by Australian Red Cross,” Health Minister Meredith Hammat said.

“The service provides phone-based wellbeing checks for eligible people who may be at higher risk of health impacts during a heatwave, no matter where they live.

“Registered TeleRedi participants will receive regular check-in calls from trained Australian Red
Cross volunteers.

“If a call goes unanswered or a person appears unwell or distressed, an escalation process will be activated to help support their safety and wellbeing.”

Hammat said the service was for anyone who lived alone, older people and those with any ongoing health issues.

“Carers of vulnerable people are also encouraged to register, recognising the added pressure and risks extreme heat can place on those providing care,” she said.

Pressure on the grid in WA has previously led to ongoing power outages during heatwaves, including in suburbs in the Perth area.

Loss of power means airconditioners and fans can’t be run, which can cause significant health issues for vulnerable people.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Angus Hines said there were some towns that would feel the heat more than others on Tuesday.

“Geraldton … stands out with a 46-degree forecast,” he said.

“That heat is spreading down to Perth - 39 degrees in the capital, maybe 40 or higher for some eastern suburbs.

“It’s also going to be really hot up in the North West of the state … for example Exmouth is 40 degrees, but if you drive an hour inland, it could be closer to 48 or 49 degrees.”

The bureau warned there would be severe to extreme heatwave conditions over the next few days, but conditions would be expected to ease later this week.

“Locations likely to be impacted include Carnarvon, Coral Bay, Denham, Geraldton, Gingin, Kalbarri, Marble Bar, Newman, Paraburdoo and Yanchep,” it said.