As millions of Australians prepare to welcome the New Year, the national weather forecast paints a picture of stark contrasts, with temperatures set to swing from the low teens to a blistering mid-30s on December 31.
A Nation Divided by Weather on New Year's Eve
The country's east coast capitals are largely in for pleasant conditions for their celebrations. Brisbane is forecast to bask in sunshine with a high of 32C, while Melbourne will enjoy dry, albeit cloudy, weather with a top of 19C. The nation's capital, Canberra, will be warm at 29C but faces afternoon showers and possible thunderstorms.
In stark contrast, Perth is tipped to hit a scorching 35C under clear skies, making it the hottest major city for the festivities. Meanwhile, Sydney, the focal point for the world-famous harbour fireworks, will experience a cooler and mostly cloudy day with a high of 26C and a chance of evening showers.
New Year's Day Outlook and Recent Turbulence
New Year's Day is expected to bring more of the same summer conditions nationwide. However, Brisbane's sunny start will give way to afternoon showers, causing temperatures to plunge from 30C. Adelaide residents, after a wet December, can look forward to consecutive sunny days perfect for the beach.
This forecast follows a turbulent period of extreme weather across the continent. Recent weeks have seen bushfires and extreme heat in New South Wales and Perth, while the Northern Territory and Queensland were hammered by torrential rain over the Christmas period.
Capital City Forecast at a Glance
Sydney: NYE: Mostly cloudy, chance of evening rain (26C/16C). NYD: Morning showers (24C/18C).
Brisbane: NYE: Sunny, dry (32C/19C). NYD: Afternoon showers (30C/23C).
Melbourne: NYE: Dry, cloudy (19C/13C). NYD: Sunny (23C/13C).
Canberra: NYE: Warm, afternoon showers/storms (29C/14C). NYD: Dry, afternoon sun (24C/10C).
Adelaide: NYE: Mostly sunny (25C/12C). NYD: Sunny, warm (29C/12C).
Perth: NYE: Clear, sunny (35C/18C). NYD: Mostly sunny (33C/19C).
Darwin: NYE & NYD: Warm, wet with storms (33C/26C).
Hobart: NYE: Partly cloudy (19C/9C). NYD: Mostly sunny (21C/9C).
Severe Cyclone Threatens Western Australia
Adding to the weather concerns, residents in Western Australia have been told to brace for a severe tropical cyclone expected to make landfall on Tuesday evening. The system is forecast to reach category three strength before crossing the coast, bringing severe impacts to areas north of Broome to Kuri Bay, including the Dampier Peninsula and Derby.
As revellers finalise their plans, the message is clear: Australia's New Year celebrations will be set against a dramatic and diverse meteorological backdrop, from extreme heat and severe storms to picture-perfect summer evenings.
