Get ready to beat Perth’s heat on the water with Swans on the Swan’s swan-shaped pedal boats

An ominous warning of a sweltering summer for Perth from the Bureau of Meteorology has come as welcome news to Jeffery Williamson.

The Bureau on Monday released its long-range forecast that included a “high chance” of unusually warm temperature for most of Australia until February next year, with an increased risk of bushfires.

Senior meteorologist Andrew Burton said from now to February, there was an 80 per cent chance of warmer than usual days and higher overnight minimum temperatures.

“We’re expecting it to be a hotter than usual summer and that is likely to lead to heatwave conditions,” Mr Burton said.

It is good news for Mr Williamson, who has just re-opened his river fun business Swans on the Swan for its third season which he said might extend right through to May if the heat holds as predicted.

“We literally opened on Sunday last week (October 1) and it goes all the way through to April or May,” he said.

“It just depends on demand and weather.”

The Point Walter-based business offers giant swan-shaped pedal boats for people to enjoy out on the water.

Customers can also hire water bikes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

“I’ve pretty much always wanted to have a water business on the river for people to go down and enjoy the river system,” Mr Williamson said.

While Swans on the Swan is gearing up for a third season, Mr Williamson said there were challenges in getting an initial permit to create river fun.

“There’s quite a lot involved initially, but once it’s up and running and you’ve proved yourself it all flows pretty easy after that,” he said.

“You’ve pretty much got to have to set up a full business, so there’s quite a bit of work involved.”

Mr Williamson is contemplating expanding to Matilda Bay, but he said the pedal boats and other toys could operate only out of a part of the river with “nice calm water”.

“It’s a family fun business really,” he said.

“It’s just good to get your families outside and enjoy the water.

“It’s really quite a lovely experience down there.”

Senior meteorologist Sarah Scully said Australians could expect an increased risk of heatwaves this spring and summer.

“Daytime and night-time temperatures have an increased chance of being unusually warm for October to February,” she said.

“Warm nights after hot days means little relief from heat and can lead to heat stress.

“There is always a risk of dangerous and destructive fires in Australia at this time of year.”