UPDATE: Australia braces for a mixed weather forecast this Christmas, as the Bureau of Meteorology warns of both sweltering heat and potential storms across the nation. Farmers are hoping for sunshine to wrap up their harvest, but conditions are shaping up to be unpredictable, with some regions facing a fire danger.
Just announced by senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury, the seven-day forecast shows southern Australia experiencing intense heat over the weekend, coupled with high fire danger ratings. As farmers prepare for Christmas, they may face challenges with a looming wave of rain set to follow the hot conditions.
Expecting temperatures to soar, Ms. Bradbury highlighted that southern regions could see highs of up to 39 degrees Celsius on Christmas Day. Meanwhile, northern areas may experience milder weather due to incoming rain. “Conditions are set to shift significantly, especially in the north,” she stated.
In the lead-up to Christmas, Saturday will see isolated thunderstorms in various states. By Sunday, significant rainfall is anticipated, particularly in regions like the Riverina and Central West of New South Wales, where double-digit totals may occur. This wet weather could complicate the harvest, which has already been lagging.
For Queensland, the forecast suggests a warm and humid weekend with potential rainfall amounts reaching 10 to 20 millimetres. Sunday is expected to bring more rain, posing challenges for farmers who are already adjusting to the unpredictable weather.
In contrast, Tasmania is expected to experience a “typical week,” with patchy showers and cooler temperatures. Hobart is projected to see highs around 17 degrees Celsius on Christmas Day, significantly below average.
As conditions evolve, residents in Victoria should prepare for a transition from heat to storm activity, with possible rainfall on Friday and a clearer Saturday. However, Sunday looks to bring further wet weather, especially in northern and far eastern parts of the state.
The Northern Territory faces a developing tropical low pressure system that could enhance rainfall in eastern areas, although it is not expected to intensify into a cyclone. Daily storms and humid conditions are likely to persist, making the lead-up to Christmas dynamic.
In Western Australia, the forecast remains largely dry, with high temperatures expected to reach the low-40s in the northern interior. Perth’s Christmas Day is anticipated to be hot and dry, with a high of 39 degrees.
Farmers and holidaymakers alike should stay updated as these conditions unfold. The Bureau of Meteorology’s forecast emphasizes the importance of preparation in light of the potential for extreme weather, particularly regarding fire dangers and rainfall impacts.
Stay tuned for more updates as this developing weather situation progresses across Australia.
