UPDATE: Australia braces for a mixed bag of weather this Christmas Day, with severe heatwave alerts issued for parts of Western Australia while rain is expected to mitigate bushfire risks in major cities. As of December 25, 2023, officials warn that heatwave conditions could reach a staggering 41°C in Perth, presenting serious health risks alongside an already active bushfire season.
Natural Hazards Research Australia chief executive Andrew Gissing confirmed the concerning situation, stating, “We had about 16 homes lost recently in NSW, and a similar number at Dolphin Sands in Tasmania.” He added that “there’s been a few lost in WA as well, and tragically, we’ve lost firefighters.”
While Canberra (27°C) and Adelaide (25°C) are projected to experience milder conditions, cities like Sydney (23°C), Melbourne (17°C), and Brisbane (34°C) are forecasted to see showers. Darwin could face a significant 50mm tropical downpour.
Gissing emphasized the dual threats of extreme heat and bushfire smoke. “WA folks are facing extreme heat… the strength of the winds and relatively low humidity are taken into account when calculating those fire danger ratings,” he said. He also warned of “widespread heavy rainfall across northern Australia, which will lead to potential flooding.”
In addition to the heat and rain, a category two cyclone is forming in the Indian Ocean, potentially impacting the Cocos Islands on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Gissing noted, “This cyclone could complicate matters further for the region.”
Overall, the weather forecast presents both risks and challenges for Australians this festive season. Residents are urged to stay informed about local conditions and heed warnings from authorities to ensure their safety.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.
