Key Takeaways
- Wildly different weather conditions are expected across Australia on Christmas Day
- Perth and Brisbane are predicted to experience the hottest conditions, with temperatures reaching 41C and 35C respectively
- Melbourne and Hobart are expected to be much cooler, with forecast tops of 17C and 16C
- There is a chance of rain and thunderstorms in various parts of the country, including Melbourne, western Tasmania, and northern Australia
- A high-pressure system over the Great Australian Bight is contributing to the varied weather conditions
Introduction to Christmas Weather Forecast
The weather forecast for Christmas Day in Australia is looking highly variable, with some parts of the country expected to swelter in hot conditions while others will be much cooler. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Perth and Brisbane are likely to be the hottest capital cities, with temperatures reaching 41C and 35C respectively. In contrast, Melbourne and Hobart are predicted to be much cooler, with forecast tops of 17C and 16C. This significant difference in temperature is due to a high-pressure system hovering over the Great Australian Bight, which is not uncommon for this time of year.
Regional Weather Forecast
The weather forecast varies significantly across different regions of Australia. In the southern states, Melbourne and Hobart are expected to experience cool and potentially wet conditions, with a chance of showers and even light snow flurries in elevated areas. In contrast, Brisbane and northern Australia are expected to be much hotter and more humid, with a chance of thunderstorms and heavy rain in some areas. The Northern Territory and Western Australia’s Kimberley region are also predicted to experience storms and rain, while Darwin and Cairns are expected to have maximum temperatures in the low 30s.
Temperature Extremes
The temperature extremes across Australia on Christmas Day are notable, with Perth and Brisbane experiencing hot conditions while Melbourne and Hobart are much cooler. According to senior meteorologist Jonathan How, if Melbourne only reaches 17C, it will be the city’s coldest Christmas Day since 2006. The heatwave conditions persisting in eastern and north-eastern NSW, and southern and south-east Queensland, are also significant, with temperatures expected to peak on Monday or Tuesday. Total fire bans have been declared for Sunday in five NSW districts, as well as the Mallee in Victoria’s west, highlighting the risk of bushfires in these areas.
Severe Weather Warnings
Severe weather warnings have been issued for parts of Victoria’s east and north-east, as well as western NSW, due to the risk of heavy rain, destructive winds, and possible tornadoes. Communities in Mildura, Swan Hill, Euroa, Shepparton, Mansfield, Wangaratta, Corryong, and Albury-Wodonga have been told to brace for these conditions, while Broken Hill, Menindee, and Fowlers Gap are also at risk of heavy rain, damaging winds, and large hailstones. The Bureau of Meteorology is closely monitoring these weather systems and providing regular updates to affected communities.
Outlook for the Rest of the Week
Despite the cool and potentially wet conditions on Christmas Day, the weather is expected to warm up in Melbourne and the south-east of the country heading into next weekend. The Boxing Day Test is expected to be dry and sunny, with the sun coming out in the afternoon at the MCG. Adelaide is also expected to experience milder weather, with a maximum temperature of 25C expected on Christmas Day and 29C on Boxing Day. Sydney and Canberra will also be in the sweet spot, with slightly warmer tops in the mid 20s. Overall, the varied weather conditions across Australia on Christmas Day are a reminder of the country’s diverse climate and the importance of staying up to date with the latest weather forecasts.