The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe heatwave warning for Kalgoorlie, WA, ahead of a February week with 3 days over 40°C. Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell. The heat also contributed to a ‘high’ fire danger rating.

Kalgoorlie has a historic baseline of 43 days over 35°C per year (based on 1981-2010 data). More recently, the electorate experienced over 52 days of 35°C+ heat in 2023.

According to CSIRO-BoM projections, under a high emissions scenario, Kalgoorlie can expect up to 108 days per year over 35°C, and up to 44 annual days over 40°C, by 2090. Yet, if emissions are drastically limited, Kalgoorlie could keep the number of days over 35°C to just 49 in 2090, similar to the historic baseline.