Home

Perth weather: Pristine conditions kick goals for WA’s first-ever AFL grand final

Troy de RuyterThe West Australian
CommentsComments
Magnificent conditions are expected for tomorrow’s grand final.
Camera IconMagnificent conditions are expected for tomorrow’s grand final. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It’s going to be perfect conditions for tomorrow’s AFL grand final at Optus Stadium.

The Weather Bureau has forecast partly cloudy but rain-free skies for the first-ever decider played in Perth.

Senior meteorologist James Ashley said Perth was in for a pleasant spring evening, with the temperature forecast for the first bounce to be about 21C — and no rain expected during the game.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“We know that many Australians love AFL, so there is always a lot of interest in what the weather will be like on grand final day — and not only for those attending the big game but for those, particularly Western Bulldogs and Melbourne supporters, at home glued to their TVs and radios too,” he said.

“Fans, players and coaches alike will be pleased to hear that Perth will likely see only partly cloudy skies for the first bounce at 5.15pm.”

But Mr Ashley warned fans attending the big dance to pack some warm clothes as the night cools off.

“For those lucky enough to have a ticket to the grand final, it could be worth packing a jacket — whether it’s the red, white and blue of the Western Bulldogs, or the red and blue of Melbourne — as conditions will cool down during the game,” he said.

“By the time the winner is lifting the Premiership Cup aloft, the temperature at the ground is expected to be around 18C.”

The pristine spring weather gives hope to a tight, fast game and gives Perth the best chance to show off its shiny new stadium.

“Conditions will be very different to the ones players experienced at the Gabba in Brisbane last year, with pre-game storms and energy-sapping humidity,” Mr Ashley said.

“Saturday evening won’t be particularly windy, with a south-easterly of about 15km/h expected.

“It also won’t be dewy at the ground, with humidity remaining below 50 per cent during the game.”

Wet weather and thunderstorms will hit Perth for the five days after the grand final.
Camera IconWet weather and thunderstorms will hit Perth for the five days after the grand final. Credit: Trevor Collens/The West Australian

Meteorologist Peter Clegg said that after tomorrow the weather would turn wet, with thunderstorms expected.

“Get your stuff done on Saturday because for the five days after it is not good,” he said.

“A low pressure system will move through the Gascoyne and head south-west, bringing possible thunderstorms.

“In fact, storms are highly likely for Perth. The system will linger into the early part of Monday before a brief clear spell.

“Another low system from the Indian Ocean then moves in and it will also bring showers and thunderstorms.”

FORECAST FOR GRAND FINAL DAY

Perth will see a maximum temperature of 27C with a fresh easterly of 25-40km/h easing to a south-easterly of 15-20km/h in the afternoon, making for a “feels-like” temperature of 17C at the first bounce. There is a 5 per cent chance of rain during the day.

GRAND FINAL WEATHER FACTS

2020 AFL grand final (Brisbane, October 24): Daytime storms clearing, humid. Maximum temperature: 26C. Rainfall: 0.4mm to 9am and 37.8mm from 9am.

Last AFL grand final win by the Western Bulldogs (October 1, 2016, Melbourne): Partly cloudy. Maximum: 18.6C. Rainfall after 9am: 0mm.

Last AFL/VFL grand final win by Melbourne (September 19, 1964, Melbourne): Fine and sunny. Maximum: 20.8C. Rainfall after 9am: 0mm.

Last time the Bulldogs and Melbourne played in an AFL/VFL grand final (September 25, 1954, Melbourne): Cloud clearing. Maximum: 14C. Rainfall after 9am: 0mm.

Warmest AFL/VFL grand final (October 3, 2015, Melbourne): Maximum: 31.3C.

Coldest AFL/VFL grand final (September 20, 1958, Melbourne): Maximum: 11.3C.

Wettest AFL/VFL grand final*: (October 1,1927, Melbourne): Steady rain. Muddy, slushy surface. Rainfall to 9am: 21.1mm, Rainfall from 9am: 16.3mm (* wetter than 2020 because of rain during the game).

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails