The Bureau of Meteorology has released its official Christmas Day weather forecast, revealing a mixed picture across Australia. Some capital cities are set for sunshine and heat, while others will experience cloudy skies, cool temperatures, and rain.
Queensland is forecast to be warm, humid and cloudy, with moderate rainfall and potential thunderstorms in northern and central parts. Brisbane is expected to reach 33°C. New South Wales will see broadly dry and sunny conditions, with coastal showers bringing up to 5mm of rain. Sydney is forecast for a top of 25°C, and Canberra 29°C.
Victoria will have a cool to mild day with isolated showers, reaching 19°C in Melbourne. South Australia will be mild to warm with clear skies; Adelaide is forecast for 26°C. Tasmania will be cooler with scattered showers and possible snow on peaks above 1,000m; Hobart will reach 17°C.
Western Australia will be very warm, with Perth forecast for 39°C. The Northern Territory expects warm, humid and cloudy conditions, with temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s.
The Christmas forecast follows an extreme heatwave affecting much of southern Australia from Thursday into Sunday. The BoM warns of severe heatwave conditions from eastern Victoria to Brisbane, with cooler temperatures expected to develop from the south over the weekend.
The NRMA has warned parents about the dangers of hot cars, noting that temperatures inside can surge more than 30°C above outside readings, posing risks of heatstroke and dehydration for children and pets.
