Perth residents lapped up the warmest July day in 32 years with temperatures reaching almost 26C on Wednesday afternoon.

The sunny conditions have not been this good in July since 1994 when 25.8C was recorded on July 21.

The city has hit the 25C mark in July only once previously this century, which was on July 18, 2017.

The record high for Perth in July is 26.3C on July 18, 1976, at the old official city weather station in Kings Park.

The unusually warm winter weather occurred due to persistent easterly or northeasterly winds, when warm air from the continent’s interior is pushed towards the coast, according to Weatherzone.

Air circulating anti-clockwise around the high warmed up significantly as it headed Perth’s way.

But the unseasonably warm temperature is set to end on Thursday, with a soaking and even the threat of severe thunderstorms expected to sweep across the city.

Cloud will roll in before widespread showers drench the metropolitan area on Thursday, with up to 15mm of rain expected and a medium chance totals could climb beyond 25mm.

The Bureau of Meteorology has also warned of a possible severe thunderstorm capable of dumping heavy rain that could trigger flash flooding.

The mercury will also begin to slide, reaching 22C on Thursday before dropping to 20C on Friday.

The wet spell is expected to continue into Friday, with another round of showers and the chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

Conditions should slowly improve over the weekend, although showers are still likely on Saturday morning before easing during the day.

Sunday will remain cool with a top of just 17C and the chance of another shower or two.

The sunshine is expected to return early next week.

PERTH WEATHER FORECAST

• Thursday: Showers. Possible afternoon storm, 13-22 ⛈️
• Friday: Showers, 12-20 ☔️
• Saturday: Showers easing, 12-19 ☔️
• Sunday: Shower or two, 9-17 ☔️
• Monday: Mostly sunny, 7-19 ⛅️
• Tuesday: Partly cloudy, 7-19 ⛅️
• Wednesday: Partly cloudy, 8-20 ⛅️

Forecast sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology.