URGENT UPDATE: Monsoon rains are set to impact the Northern Territory and Queensland this Christmas, prompting immediate flood watch alerts. The Bureau of Meteorology confirms that the region has already experienced over 100mm of rain in just 24 hours leading up to Tuesday, with forecasts indicating heavy downpours are expected to intensify through the holiday season.
Flood watches have been issued for critical areas including parts of the Barkly, Carpentaria, and Arnhem Coastal Rivers in the NT, as well as the northwestern district of Queensland. As rivers begin to swell, residents are advised to prepare for potential flooding in the coming days.
The monsoon conditions are anticipated to develop further, with rain likely to cut off outback roads in the region over the next one to two weeks. Rain is forecasted to spread towards eastern Queensland as we approach New Year’s Eve, adding to the urgency for residents to stay informed and vigilant.
Meanwhile, those in Melbourne will face the coldest Christmas Day temperatures since 2006, with expected highs between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius and a chance of showers. For those escaping to the inner regions, slightly warmer weather is anticipated, though statewide conditions are expected to heat up later in the week.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued severe heatwave warnings for parts of Western Australia from December 23-25, with cities like Perth bracing for temperatures soaring into the high 30s and low 40s Celsius. Residents are urged to consult heatwave safety guides to ensure their well-being during this extreme weather.
In Queensland, the wet weather is set to persist beyond Christmas. Central and northern Queensland—extending from the Central Coast up to the Gulf of Carpentaria—are likely to experience additional heavy rainfall and flooding risks through the New Year.
The Bureau of Meteorology is closely monitoring storm systems throughout the holiday period and advises all residents in affected areas to remain alert for further updates and warnings.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this evolving weather situation, as conditions can change rapidly. Share this information with friends and family to keep everyone informed and safe during this critical time.
