Western Australia is bracing for an intense heatwave as temperatures are set to soar beyond 40 degrees, marking the hottest day in over a year for some regions.

A deepening trough over the Pilbara is predicted to sweep down the west coast, pushing Perth’s temperatures to a peak of 35 degrees.

The heat will be widespread, with most of the west coast experiencing temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s. Geraldton is expected to reach 40 degrees, while the inland areas of Gascoyne and the Central West could see temperatures climb even higher.

Weatherzone reports that in certain parts of the state, tomorrow’s heat will be the highest recorded since last autumn.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued moderate to extreme fire danger warnings across the state due to the oppressive conditions.

The Midwest Coast and Midwest Inland, including Geraldton, Northampton, Chapman Valley, Mingenew, Morawa, Perenjori and Three Springs, will be under an extreme warning.

Parts of the Kimberley, north interior, Pilbara, Burrup, Ashburton, Exmouth, west interior, Yalgar, Gascoyne, Lesueur, Yarra Yarra, Lockwood, Mortlock, Avon and Swan will be under a high warning while remaining parts of the state face moderate warnings.

South Goldfields is the only area to escape warnings tomorrow.

The trough is expected to generate moisture, which could cause thunderstorms across the western and southwestern parts of the state from as early as tomorrow.

But, as the week goes on, temperatures will fall. 

Perth will likely see storms beginning on Wednesday and Thursday, with the mercury expected to drop to 26 degrees by Saturday.

Storms will lash Geraldton and Gascoyne starting tomorrow and into Tuesday before conditions clear.

Temperatures will fall to 26 degrees in Geraldton and 34 degrees in Gascoyne by Saturday.