Record Heat Hits Western Australia and Northern Territory
Mandora recorded 47.4C as a severe heatwave is forecast to persist across northern Australia while showers spread to the south east.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Severe Weather
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Two Western Australian weather stations broke November records on Wednesday, with Mandora reaching 47.4C. A severe to extreme heatwave is forecast to continue across northern Western Australia, the top of the Northern Territory and inland Queensland.
Why it matters
Mandora's reading equals the third highest temperature ever recorded in Western Australia and ninth hottest ever recorded in Australia. Temperatures have run 2C to 5C above average this week across affected regions.
Maximum and minimum temperatures have run 2C and 5C above average this week, according to observations cited in the forecast. Forecast highs of 35C are expected in Brisbane and Darwin, and 29C in Perth, while the source does not specify the end date of the heat.
The players
Bureau of Meteorology
Australia's national weather agency, responsible for forecasting and recording official weather observations across the country.
The details
A large high pressure system is pushing into southern Australia, bringing fine and settled weather to large parts of the country. Meanwhile, a lingering trough over the south east is driving showers and possibly storms, with isolated thunderstorms possible in Queensland on Thursday.
Timeline
Wednesday: Two Western Australian weather stations broke long-term November records.
Thursday: Showers and gusty winds are forecast across parts of Australia, with isolated Queensland thunderstorms possible.
Thursday morning: Early showers occur along the southern New South Wales coast, and snow flurries are possible over the Snowy Mountains and northern Victoria ranges.
Seasonal Patterns
The November records at two Western Australian stations place this heat within the region's established seasonal benchmarks. The event compares directly with historical station records at Mandora, which now equals the third highest temperature ever recorded in the state.
Residents in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and inland Queensland should follow heat safety advice during the forecast heatwave. Those in New South Wales and Victoria should prepare for showers and gusty winds on Thursday.
The takeaway
Heat readings of this scale highlight how quickly conditions can shift across Australia's climate zones. Staying informed through official forecasts helps households plan for both heat and storms.
Further reading
Explore more on Severe Weather to see how heatwaves and storms are tracked across Australia.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News24.
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