Partly cloudy and 27C for AFL Grand Final day, but wet weather to set in for first week of school holidays

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast partly cloudy but rain-free skies for the first-ever AFL Grand Final to be played in Perth on Saturday.

Senior Meteorologist James Ashley said Perth was in for a pleasant spring evening, with the temperature forecast for the first bounce at 5.15pm to be around 21C, and no rain expected during the game. 
 
"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 or radios too," Mr Ashley 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 (AWST). 
 
"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.  
 
"By the time the winner is lifting the Premiership Cup aloft, the temperature at the ground is expected to be around 18C. 
 
"Changing conditions can influence the game and in some cases have an impact on the outcome, but the weather in Perth for the AFL Grand Final should be reasonably comfortable for the players and fans."

Rain is expected to set in for the first week of the school holidays though.

People going to the Royal Show are advised to bring wet weather gear.

Perth forecast:

Mandurah forecast: