Australians are set to experience a dramatic split in weather conditions this Christmas Day, with forecasts predicting everything from blistering heat to wintery chills across the nation's capital cities. The Bureau of Meteorology has painted a picture of stark contrasts, meaning festive plans will heavily depend on your postcode.
Scorching Heat and Stormy Skies in the North and West
Residents in Perth and Brisbane are being told to prepare for the most intense heat among the capitals. Perth is forecast to swelter through a top of 41C, while Brisbane can expect a hot and humid 35C. The conditions in Brisbane are described as "very muggy," with the potential for an afternoon shower or thunderstorm to break the heat.
The stormy activity is expected to be more widespread, with showers and thunderstorms predicted from the Sunshine Coast up to Cairns, across most of the Northern Territory, and over Western Australia's Kimberley region. In a sign of the extreme heat building in the west, parts of WA's Pilbara are slated to see the mercury climb into the low to mid-40s. Darwin and Cairns will be slightly cooler but still warm, with maximums in the low 30s.
Southern Capitals Brace for Unseasonal Chill
In sharp contrast, those celebrating in the southern capitals will be reaching for warmer layers. Melbourne is forecast for a top of just 17C, with a chance of a morning shower. If it only reaches 17C, it will be Melbourne's coldest Christmas Day since 2006, according to senior meteorologist Jonathan How.
The chill will be even more pronounced in Hobart, which is looking at a maximum of 16C. Showers are forecast across western Tasmania, and there is even a chance of light snow flurries over elevated areas on Christmas morning. "Quite the extremes across both ends of the country," How remarked to AAP.
The 'Sweet Spot' and a Nation Divided
Adelaide, Sydney, and Canberra are forecast to enjoy what many would consider ideal festive weather. Adelaide is expecting a mild 25C on Christmas Day, warming to 29C for Boxing Day. Both Sydney and Canberra are predicted to have pleasant highs in the mid-20s.
This huge national divide stems from a high-pressure system sitting 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," explained How. He offered some hope for cricket fans, noting that conditions will improve for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, with dry weather and sunshine expected in the afternoon.
The forecast comes as heatwave conditions persist in eastern and north-eastern New South Wales and southern Queensland, with total fire bans in place for several NSW districts. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of Victoria and western NSW, with communities told to brace for heavy rain, destructive winds, and even the possibility of tornadoes.
