The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has unveiled its official weather forecast for Christmas Day across Australia, painting a varied picture for celebrations. This comes as much of the nation's south endures an extreme and severe heatwave that commenced on Thursday and is forecast to persist through the weekend.
A Mixed Bag for Christmas Day
Australians planning their festive gatherings will encounter vastly different conditions depending on their location. The BOM's forecast indicates a split between scorching heat in the west, milder temperatures in the south-east, and potential storms in the north.
In Western Australia, residents are bracing for a very warm Christmas. Perth is tipped to swelter with a top of 39C, while other western and interior parts of the state could see the mercury climb into the low 40s. Conversely, Victoria and Tasmania are in for cooler conditions. Melbourne is forecast for a maximum of just 19C, with isolated showers, while Hobart expects a top of 17C alongside scattered showers and a chance of snow on higher peaks.
New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory can largely anticipate dry and sunny skies for the big day. Sydney should reach a pleasant 25C, with Canberra heating up to 29C. Queensland and the Northern Territory, however, are set for warm, humid, and cloudy conditions. Brisbane may hit 33C, with moderate rainfall and possible thunderstorms in northern and central parts of the state. Darwin is looking at a high of 32C.
Ongoing Extreme Heatwave Warnings
The Christmas forecasts follow a period of intense heat for southern regions. The BOM has issued severe to extreme heatwave warnings for areas stretching from eastern Victoria up to Brisbane, with conditions expected to peak towards the end of the week.
NSW's mid north coast, the Illawarra, south coast and Snowy Mountains are facing an extreme heatwave, with maximum temperatures predicted to reach the high 30s and low 40s. "Cooler temperatures are expected to gradually develop from the south with heatwave conditions in these areas expected to peak at the end of this week and then begin to ease later over the weekend," the BOM advised.
Safety Reminders for the Festive Season
With the high temperatures, authorities have issued crucial safety warnings. The NRMA has urgently reminded parents of the dangers of leaving children or pets in parked cars, even on mild days. The organisation noted that interior car temperatures can soar more than 30C above outside readings, rapidly creating a lethal environment.
"Even on a mild day, the temperature inside a parked car can become dangerous very quickly, placing children at immediate risk of heatstroke, dehydration and, in extreme cases, death," the NRMA stated. They added, however, that calls to rescue children and pets from locked vehicles have seen a steady decrease in recent years.
As Australians finalise their Christmas plans, the Bureau of Meteorology's detailed forecast provides essential guidance for a safe and enjoyable holiday, whether it's spent seeking shade from the western heat or sheltering from a cool southern shower.
