As Australia braces for Christmas, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has unveiled a diverse weather forecast, with regions experiencing a mix of extreme heat and cooler, rainy conditions. With less than a week until the holiday, Australians are preparing for varied weather across the nation.
Queensland is set to experience warm, humid conditions with cloudy skies. Some northern and central areas may see moderate rainfall and potential thunderstorms, while Brisbane is expected to reach a sweltering 33°C. Meanwhile, New South Wales will enjoy mostly dry and sunny weather, although coastal showers are anticipated, bringing minimal rainfall of around 5mm. Sydney is forecast to have a high of 25°C, and Canberra will see temperatures climb to 29°C.
Southern States and Tasmania: Cooler Climates
Victoria will experience a cool to mild Christmas Day, with isolated showers and little rainfall. Melbourne is expected to reach a top of 19°C, while areas north of the ranges will see temperatures in the mid to high 20s. Tasmania will also have a cooler day, with scattered showers and a chance of snow on peaks above 1,000 meters. Hobart is forecast for a high of 17°C.
In stark contrast, Western Australia is bracing for a very warm Christmas, with temperatures soaring into the high 30s and low 40s. Perth is predicted to reach a scorching 39°C. The Northern Territory will also experience warm, humid, and cloudy conditions, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s, including a high of 32°C in Darwin.
Heatwave Warnings: A Nation on Alert
Christmas celebrations come on the heels of an extreme heatwave affecting much of southern Australia, which began on Thursday and is expected to continue through Sunday. The BoM has issued warnings for New South Wales’ mid-north coast, Illawarra, south coast, and Snowy Mountains, where temperatures are expected to reach the high 30s to 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.
An area stretching from eastern Victoria to Brisbane will remain under a severe heatwave warning throughout the weekend.
Safety Concerns Amid Rising Temperatures
With the extreme heatwave, safety concerns have been raised, particularly regarding the dangers of leaving children and pets in parked cars. The NRMA has cautioned that temperatures inside vehicles can rise more than 30°C above outdoor readings, posing a serious risk.
“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 warned. “Reassuringly, calls to rescue children and pets locked in cars have steadily decreased over the last few years.”
Looking Ahead: Preparing for Weather Extremes
The varied weather conditions across Australia this Christmas highlight the challenges of climate variability and the need for preparedness. As the nation navigates through these extremes, experts continue to emphasize the importance of staying informed and taking necessary precautions to ensure safety during the holiday season.
With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, Australians are urged to monitor forecasts closely and plan accordingly to enjoy a safe and festive Christmas.
