Perth weather: Government House open weekend cancelled due to extreme heat and risk of thunderstorms

Government House has cancelled its much-anticipated open weekend, with the Governor citing extreme heat and the risk of thunderstorms as conditions too dangerous to safely welcome thousands of visitors.

A statement issued on Friday morning read: “It is with regret that His Excellency The Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, announces the cancellation of this weekend’s scheduled Open Weekend at Government House.”

The decision comes as Perth braces for its first heatwave of the summer.

Temperatures are forecast to hit 37C on Saturday and 39C on Sunday, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning of hot winds sweeping in from central Australia and the possibility of storms developing.

BOM meteorologist Mia Williams said the city was experiencing “abnormally high” temperatures as a ridge to the south and low pressure to the north funnel scorching inland air towards the coast. The system is expected to keep Perth sweltering for days.

A Government House spokesperson said the worsening conditions made the event too risky.

“Forecast extreme weather conditions, which include temperatures reaching 40 degrees C and potential thunderstorms, mean that public safety within the Governor’s Establishment could be compromised on Saturday and Sunday,” they said.

“The safety and wellbeing of visitors, volunteers, and staff remain the highest priority.”

Governor Dawson acknowledged public disappointment, emphasising the difficulty of calling off the event.

“While it is extremely disappointing having to cancel the Open Weekend, the worsening weather forecast means that if we were to go ahead public safety may be put at risk,” he said.

“We know many West Australians were looking forward to enjoying the gardens, music, and festive activities, and this decision was not taken lightly.

“However, with the expected extreme weather, it would not be safe to proceed. We thank the community for their understanding and support.”

The cancellation brings a sudden end to what was set to be one of the most festive community weekends on the Government House calendar.

Before the extreme weather forecast emerged, staff had been preparing to throw open the doors of the 162-year-old landmark for two days of Christmas-themed celebrations.

Visitors were to explore the Ballroom and the Royal Room — “draped in traditional Christmas decorations” — before spilling out into the leafy gardens for free live music, cultural performances, and a smorgasbord of international cuisines from the Consular Corps.

Governor Dawson had earlier spoken of the importance of opening the historic residence to the public, describing Government House as a living symbol of WA’s democratic processes.

“There’s many countries that many of us have had the privilege to visit, and you often cannot go into the mansions or the palaces or the government administration buildings,” he said.

“We live in such a safe society, we think it’s important that we can open up the house for an opportunity for people to see how our democracy works.”

Festive highlights had also been planned — including a visit from Santa.

“(There will be) a fellow in a red and white suit. . . someone rather portly who is pretty well known,” the Governor teased earlier in the week.

But with the city now staring down days of extreme heat, any chance of safely hosting thousands of families has evaporated.

Perth last experienced a heatwave in March, when temperatures soared above 35C for six consecutive days — peaking at a blistering 40.1C.

Ms Williams warned residents to expect a “long, hot summer”, with both daytime and nighttime temperatures tracking above historical averages.

Government House has not yet confirmed whether the Open Weekend will be rescheduled.

PERTH WEATHER FORECAST

• Saturday: Mostly sunny, 19-37 ⛅️
• Sunday: Possible storm, 24-39 ⛈️
• Monday: Mostly sunny, 25-38 ⛅️
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny, 22-32 ⛅️
• Wednesday: Partly cloudy, 20-29 ⛅️
• Thursday: Mostly sunny, 19-29 ⛅️