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The west of the country is set to experience the hottest Christmas period since records started over 100 years ago.
Temperatures across parts of Western Australia, from Shark Bay down to Walpole, are forecast to reach 42C across Christmas and Boxing Day, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
The heatwave is being driven by a high-pressure ridge pushing a west coast trough offshore meaning that sea breezes, which would normally offset the hot temperatures, will be weak.
“Hot conditions and some gusty easterly winds will increase the fire dangers through the Perth area and all the way down to the south-west forest areas as well,” BoM WA state manager James Ashley said.
“We’re expecting very high or high to severe fire danger ratings.”
There is also an increasing chance of monsoonal weather for Australia’s top end from this weekend as Christmas festivities get underway.
Ahead of this, the BoM is asking residents to be aware of and learn more about the wet season, which can bring heavy rainfall and flooding.
It comes as the BoM predicts a very high chance of showers, with rainfall tipped to range between 10 and 50mm in Darwin on Christmas Day.
Read on to find out what’s in store for the other states and territories.
Please note, as we get closer to December 25, this article will be updated with the most recent forecasts.
But as it stands today, here is what the weather will be like on Christmas Day around the country.
Sydney
Sydneysiders can expect a partly cloudy Christmas Day, with a medium chance of showers.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has predicted a high of 29C.
Melbourne
Melbourne residents are in for a partly cloudy Christmas Day, with temperatures predicted to range between 14C and 21C.
Brisbane
Brisbane temperatures may hit a top of 29C, as families gather for festive celebrations.
There is a chance of showers, most likely in the morning and afternoon.
Perth
Perth is in store for a very hot and sunny day, with a possible top of 42C. This could become the hottest Christmas Day on record.
Winds easterly 25 to 40 km/h tending northeasterly 20 to 30 km/h are predicted during the morning then turning east to southeasterly during the day.
Adelaide
A partly cloudy day is expected in Adelaide, with a top of 29C predicted.
Rain is unlikely to dampen Christmas plans, as the BoM predicts a zero chance of showers.
Darwin
Showers and possible storms are predicted for Darwin on Christmas Day.
There is a very high chance of showers ranging between 10mm and 50mm as well as the chance of a thunderstorm, according to the BoM.
Temperatures are expected to reach 31C.
The BoM is asking residents in the Top End to learn about the impacts of monsoonal weather, as the chance of it increases.
Hobart
Hobart will be a little cooler than many states and territories with a possible high of 20C.
Residents can expect a partly cloudy day for Christmas, with a slight chance of a shower.
Canberra
The nation’s capital can expect a partly cloudy day with a medium chance of showers in Canberra on Christmas Day.
There is also the chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon and evening.
The BoM forecasts a top of 29C.
Source: 9News
