Coronavirus restrictions: Perth heatwave that will test Aussies in lockdown

A scorching Easter heatwave is set to be a test for Aussies who have repeatedly been urged to stay home over the long weekend.

An unseasonal heatwave is set to test beach-loving Aussies as leaders urge people to stay indoors and practice social distancing.

As parts of Australia are forecast to experience a heatwave the Easter period is shaping up to be a tough and hot few days for some, after strong gains have been made in recent weeks in controlling the spread of the coronavirus.

In Perth and much of Western Australia, the temperature has hovered above 30 degrees this week and is forecast to stay there for Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Sunday. The scorching autumn temperatures would usually see people flocking to beaches across the WA coast, however social distancing restrictions mean big groups cooling off in the surf is off the cards.

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Beaches in Perth remain open but people must still adhere to social distancing rules. Picture: Richard Wainwright

Perth is predicted to reach 36 degrees according to the Bureau of Meteorology, while Saturday is forecast to reach 37 degrees.

WA’s premier Mark McGowan said he’d only move to close beaches as a last resort, and the state’s Police Commissioner said people can still go to the beach if they adhere to social distancing guidelines.

"What we are saying is don't drive away from your home on holidays," WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said on Wednesday.

“You are allowed to go out and exercise, yes you are allowed to go to the beach.”

"Going to the beach is not a crime, provided you adhere to the social distancing and you keep 1.5 metres apart."

The response has been different to that of the NSW Police force, who last month said they were “disappointed” by crowds at Bondi Beach, and later moved to close Sydney Beaches in concert with local councils.

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A sign at Scarborough Beach urges people to practice social distancing. Picture: Richard Wainwright/AAP

The heatwave across WA is widespread, with temperatures above 35 degrees predicted in Moora in the state’s Central West, parts of the Kimberley region and across the Pilbara.

In Broome, the temperature is expected to reach 37 tomorrow, before easing to 35 on Easter Saturday and 33 on Easter Sunday.

In Gingin, Friday is predicted to hit 39, while Saturday will be 39 again before the top temperatures eases back to 29 on Sunday.

In WA, people who disobey social distancing rules will receive on-the-spot fines of $1000.

Breaching quarantine will result in a fine of up to $50,000 or a year in jail.