Australians are set to experience wildly divergent weather conditions this Christmas, with severe heatwaves persisting in the north-east while southern cities shiver under unseasonably cool temperatures. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts a dramatic split across the continent, offering everything from blistering heat to potential snow flurries on Christmas morning.
Severe Heat and Storms Grip the North and East
A severe heatwave is expected to continue through Christmas Day along the coastal border region of New South Wales and Queensland. BoM senior meteorologist Angus Hines confirmed that locations in this area have already endured night-time temperatures around 27C, with daytime readings forecast to be between 2C and 7C above the December average.
This follows a scorching Sunday in parts of Sydney, where the mercury hit 40C. While temperatures in the city have moderated slightly, western suburbs could still reach 34C. The intense conditions have also raised fire dangers in Queensland, though Hines noted that winds are currently not strong enough to cause fires to spread "incredibly rapidly".
Furthermore, a broad band of severe thunderstorms is predicted to develop, stretching from the Newcastle area in New South Wales, across southern and western Queensland, and into the Northern Territory. This stormy weather pattern is expected to persist for several days.
A Chilly Christmas for Southern Capitals
In stark contrast, residents in southern capitals are digging out their winter wear. Melbourne is forecast to reach a top of just 17C on Christmas Day, which would make it the city's coldest Christmas since 2006. There is also a chance of morning showers.
Hobart is expecting an even cooler maximum of 16C, with wet weather forecast across western Tasmania. BoM senior meteorologist Jonathan How revealed there is even a possibility of "some light snow flurries about the elevated country on Christmas morning".
This sharp temperature divide is driven by a high-pressure system situated over the Great Australian Bight. "It just comes down to timing and unfortunately the coolest day of the week coincides with Christmas Day across Victoria and Tasmania," How explained.
National Forecast: A Mixed Bag for the Festive Period
The weather mosaic across Australia's capital cities highlights the extreme variations. Perth is tipped to swelter at 41C, while Brisbane will experience a muggy 35C with potential afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Darwin and Cairns will see maximums in the low 30s.
Adelaide can expect milder conditions with a 25C Christmas Day, warming to 29C on Boxing Day. Sydney and Canberra land in a comfortable sweet spot, with maximums in the mid-20s.
Meanwhile, storm and rain activity is predicted from the Sunshine Coast to Cairns, across most of the Northern Territory, and over Western Australia's Kimberley region. In the Pilbara, temperatures are set to soar into the low to mid-40s.
This festive forecast underscores the vast and varied climate of the Australian continent, promising a Christmas Day that will be remembered for its meteorological contrasts.
