If you stepped outside in Subiaco or the CBD this morning, you probably felt it immediately. That familiar, dry Western Australian bite in the air. Honestly, it’s just another Wednesday in January, but perth wa weather today is actually doing something a bit sneaky behind the scenes.
While we are sitting at a relatively "comfortable" 33°C (at least by WA standards), the rest of the state is basically melting. It’s a weird contrast. You've got the Pilbara region staring down the barrel of 50°C, while we're just here enjoying a "good burst of heat" before things ramp up even more.
What’s Actually Happening with Perth WA Weather Today?
Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasters like Jessica Bradbury have been keeping a close eye on a trough that’s currently messing with the state's internal thermostat. Today, January 14, 2026, Perth is seeing a maximum of 33°C. It’s sunny. It’s dry. The humidity is hovering around a lowly 28-30% in the afternoon, which is why your skin probably feels like parchment paper.
The wind is the real storyteller today. We started with those typical easterlies—about 25 to 40 km/h this morning—but they’re expected to shift. Later this afternoon, look out for the S/SE sea breeze, or as locals affectionately call it, the "Fremantle Doctor," coming in at 20 to 30 km/h to take the edge off.
The Numbers You Need to Know
- Today's Max: 33°C (91.4°F)
- Tonight's Low: Dropping to 23°C (73.4°F)
- UV Index: Extreme. We’re talking a level 13.
- Sunrise/Sunset: The sun came up at 5:24 am and will dip below the Indian Ocean at 7:26 pm.
Don't let the 33-degree figure fool you into thinking it's "mild." The UV index is currently hitting 13. That is officially in the "Extreme" category. If you’re at Cottesloe or Scarborough, you’ll burn in about 10 to 11 minutes without protection. Sunscreen isn't a suggestion today; it's a survival tool.
The State-Wide Heatwave Context
It's sorta wild to think that while we’re planning a late afternoon BBQ, people in Marble Bar are dealing with 45°C. The BoM has issued low-intensity heatwave warnings for the Lower West, including Perth.
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Why? Because a massive high-pressure system over the Great Australian Bight is acting like a giant pump. It’s sucking hot, dry air from the desert interior and shoving it right toward the coast. This "heat trough" is the reason we're expecting 36°C tomorrow.
Essentially, today is the gateway. It's the transition from "typical summer" to "stay inside and crank the AC."
Is the Fremantle Doctor Late?
Usually, we count on that sea breeze to hit between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If it's late, that 33°C can easily feel like 37°C in the suburbs further away from the coast, like Ellenbrook or Midland. Coastal dwellers always get the better deal, with Rottnest Island usually sitting about 4 to 5 degrees cooler than the city.
Survival Tips for Today’s Conditions
Perth weather is famously fickle but consistently harsh. If you're out and about, keep these specific 2026 conditions in mind.
- Water is your best friend. Since the humidity is so low (around 30%), you won't necessarily feel yourself sweating as much as you would in Brisbane or Sydney. The sweat evaporates instantly. This leads to "stealth dehydration."
- Pet Safety. The bitumen in Perth can reach 60°C when the air is 33°C. If you can't hold the back of your hand on the road for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
- The UV Window. Between 8:10 am and 4:40 pm, the sun is at its most aggressive. If you're heading to the Perth Zoo or Kings Park, aim for the shaded trails.
What’s Coming Next?
Honestly, today is just the appetizer. Tomorrow, January 15, we are looking at 36°C. The weekend offers a slight reprieve as that west coast trough finally moves inland, potentially dropping us back into the high 20s or low 30s.
But looking further ahead to next Tuesday, there's another surge predicted. We might see the mercury climb back toward 40°C. It’s that classic Perth summer "yo-yo" effect.
Basically, enjoy the 33°C while it lasts. It’s hot, but it’s not "50 degrees in the Pilbara" hot. Check your reticulation, keep the pets cool, and definitely don't forget the hat if you're heading to the WACA or Optus Stadium.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your local council website for any "Total Fire Ban" alerts, as the high winds and low humidity increase the risk significantly today.
- Monitor the BoM radar if you’re in the hills, as late-day troughs can occasionally trigger dry lightning.
- Apply SPF 50+ every two hours if you're outdoors, specifically focusing on the 10:00 am to 3:00 pm window.