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West Aussies told to brace for cyclone expected to make landfall near Karratha

AAP
VideoA tropical low over WA is expected to develop into a cyclone on Thursday and make landfall this weekend

A tropical low off Western Australia’s north coast is expected to develop into a cyclone, while extreme heat and fire danger are forecast for the state’s south.

A flood watch has been issued for parts of the western and northern Kimberley as a low-pressure system tracks towards the Pilbara coast.

By Thursday morning, it is expected to develop into Tropical Cyclone Damien.

The Bureau of Meteorology expects the cyclone to move offshore before intensifying and arriving near Karratha on Saturday afternoon.

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Scattered heavy rainfall is likely over the northwest Kimberley on Wednesday, while gales are forecast along the Pilbara coast on Friday.

The bureau is also warning that much of southern WA will experience severe to extreme heat in coming days with dangerous fire conditions predicted.

Perth on Tuesday recorded its hottest day in five years and hottest February day since 1997, with the mercury hitting 42.7C.

The temperature is expected to reach 35C on Wednesday and remain in the low 30s into the weekend.

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