BOM forecasting thunderstorms and big swells for Perth, South-West

Trevor Paddenburg PerthNow

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a whopping swell for the South-West, expected to reach 4m on Saturday and peak at as much as 7m on Sunday night.

However the giant swell will be a disappointment for surfers as it’s accompanied by howling onshore westerly and south-westerly winds forecast at more than 40 knots.

For Perth, conditions will be more moderate with a 3m swell arriving by Saturday evening, peaking at 5m late Sunday night and into Monday.

Strong westerly winds typical of winter are also forecast to batter Perth over the weekend, with beach erosion likely.

Rain and the chance of thunderstorms will accompany the wild seas and winds, prompting a warning from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services for homeowners to tidy up, secure loose items in the backyard and be on alert.

Beach-goers are urged to watch out for strong rips, currents and powerful waves or stay out of the water altogether.

The onshore winds and rainy weather are expected to continue well into next week.

Warm jumpers and woollen socks will remain the order of the day as maximum temperatures in Perth reach just 19C on Sunday and Monday and hover around 20C for the rest of next week.

Perth forecast

Saturday 21 July: Min 12, Max 20. Rain. 10 to 25 mm.

Sunday 22 July: Min 11, Max 19. Showers increasing. Windy. 4 to 10 mm.

Monday 23 July: Min 11, Max 19. Showers. 1 to 2 mm.

Tuesday 24 July: Min 10, Max 20. Showers. 1 to 4 mm.

Wednesday 25 July: Min 10, Max 21. Showers. 4 to 10 mm.

Thursday 26 July: Min 10, Max 20. Shower or two. 0 to 2mm.