Perth is in for a torrid Saturday as temperatures soar close to 40 degrees.  Dreaded northeasterly winds will drag inland heat towards the west coast of Australia at the beginning of the weekend, launching the mercury into oppressive territory around Perth.

The city is expected to reach a top of 37 degrees on Saturday, which would be the hottest day since March. Coastal areas like Fremantle are tipped to reach about 34 degrees.

Play at the WACA (Western Australia Cricket Association) will be testing for both sides (Australia & South Africa), with not a cloud in the sky to shield players and some spectators from the sun.

It will cool down from Saturday afternoon as southwesterly winds develop, pushing the heat inland away from Perth. Sunday will be cooler by about 10 degrees as the wind continues to blow in from the southwest.

Conditions on Saturday will be dangerous for bushfires, so stay up to date with alerts and warning from the DFES over the weekend by visiting http://www.dfes.wa.gov.au/

– Weatherzone with additional by WeatherWatch