Australians are set to experience wildly divergent weather conditions this Christmas Day, with severe heatwaves persisting in some regions while southern cities brace for an unseasonably cold festive period.
Heatwave and Storm Threats Continue
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that a severe heatwave affecting the coastal border region of New South Wales and Queensland will continue into Christmas. Senior meteorologist Angus Hines confirmed the persistent conditions, noting some locations have endured night-time temperatures around 27C.
"We'll continue to see heatwave conditions in place across north-eastern parts of New South Wales, as well as south-eastern parts of Queensland," Hines stated. Temperatures in this zone are forecast to be 2C to 7C higher than the typical December average.
This follows a scorching Sunday in parts of Sydney, where temperatures hit 40C. While slightly cooler on Monday, western suburbs could still reach 34C.
Meanwhile, a broad band of severe thunderstorms is expected to develop, stretching from the Newcastle area on the New South Wales coast into southern Queensland and out to the Northern Territory. "[There's a] broad risk of stormy weather across those areas for today and then into the next few days," Hines added.
A Chilly Christmas for the South
In stark contrast, residents in Melbourne and Hobart are preparing for a notably cool Christmas Day. The BoM predicts maximum temperatures of just 17C for Melbourne and 16C for Hobart.
Senior meteorologist Jonathan How highlighted the significance for Victoria's capital: "If Melbourne only reaches 17C, it will be Melbourne's coldest Christmas Day since 2006. Quite the extremes across both ends of the country."
Melbourne may see a morning shower, while western Tasmania faces wet weather. "We could even see some light snow flurries about the elevated country on Christmas morning," How noted.
National Forecast: A Festive Mixed Bag
The national Christmas weather picture is one of dramatic contrasts driven by a high-pressure system over the Great Australian Bight.
Sweltering conditions are forecast for Perth (41C) and Brisbane (35C), with Brisbane also facing a "very muggy" atmosphere and potential afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms and rain are also predicted from the Sunshine Coast to Cairns, across most of the Northern Territory, and over Western Australia's Kimberley region.
Milder weather is expected in Adelaide (25C), Sydney, and Canberra, where temperatures will sit in the mid-20s. Darwin and Cairns are looking at maximums in the low 30s, while parts of WA's Pilbara could endure lows to mid-40s.
How explained the southern chill: "It just comes down to timing and unfortunately the coolest day of the week coincides with Christmas Day across Victoria and Tasmania."
