West Australian can expect a hotter and drier winter this year with climate experts warning of a “super” El Niño developing in the Pacific Ocean. 

Bureau of Meteorology senior hydrologist Dr Paul Feikema said the state faces risks of water shortages and extreme heat, which could  increase fire danger in parts.

Dr Feikema said recent data shows the tropical Pacific is warming quicker than usual. 

While conditions are currently neutral, models suggest a shift to El Niño could happen by late winter, he said.

“Above average daytime temperatures are very likely across most of the country from May to July,” Dr Feikema said. 

He also said that there is an increased chance of unusually high temperatures for Australia’s south-west.

This change is a major worry for Western Australia, which relies on winter rain to keep its environment healthy, expert say. 

Murdoch University ecologist Joe Fontaine said that higher temperatures cause more evaporation, meaning less water stays in the ground.

“Our vegetation, our plants, our trees, our shrubs are under more stress,” Dr Fontaine said.

He warned that if plants struggle to grow or die, natural cooling and shade is reduced – intensifying heat impacts for wildlife and humans. 

He said that those types of conditions can lead to more bushfires activity.

He also stated that a lack of rain might force the state to pump more groundwater, which could dry out local wetlands.

Current reports show that rainfall has already been below average in south-western Australia.

Water storage levels across the country are at 67 per cent, but some sites in the west are already lower than 50 per cent.

Experts warn that El Niño typically brings fewer “soaking” rain events to the South West and Wheatbelt. 

Residents are encouraged to stay updated with the latest weather alerts as the risk of a “brutal” climate shift grows.