Australians are set to experience wildly different weather on Christmas Day, with temperatures ranging from a sweltering 41°C in Perth to a chilly 16°C in Hobart. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a mixed bag of conditions across the country, with some regions bracing for heatwaves and others for cold snaps.
Perth and Brisbane will be the hottest capital cities, with predicted highs of 41°C and 35°C respectively. In contrast, Melbourne and Hobart will struggle to reach 17°C and 16°C, making for a cool Christmas. Senior meteorologist Jonathan How noted that if Melbourne only reaches 17°C, it will be the city's coldest Christmas Day since 2006.
Wet weather is expected in Melbourne and western Tasmania, with a chance of light snow flurries on elevated ground. Brisbane will experience 'very muggy' conditions, with possible afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Storms and rain are also forecast from the Sunshine Coast to Cairns, across most of the Northern Territory, and over Western Australia's Kimberley region.
Adelaide will enjoy milder weather with a maximum of 25°C on Christmas Day and 29°C on Boxing Day. Sydney and Canberra will see temperatures in the mid-20s. The huge variance in temperatures is due to a high-pressure system over the Great Australian Bight, which is typical for this time of year.
Heatwave conditions persist in eastern and north-eastern NSW, and southern and south-east Queensland, with Penrith and Richmond near Sydney expected to reach the low 40s. Total fire bans have been declared in five NSW districts and Victoria's Mallee region. Meanwhile, severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of Victoria's east and north-east, as well as western NSW, with possible destructive winds and tornadoes.
