TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Just days away from the holiday, locals and foreign visitors are beginning to tick off their year-end plans. Amid the jittery anticipation, checking the Christmas weather forecast in Australia has become one of the essential preparations to consider.
This year, The Guardian reported a fascinating outlook of different weather across the country. Melbourne and Hobart may see their coldest Christmas Day in over a decade.
To help you align your holiday plans with these temperature predictions, here is the latest data from the Bureau of Meteorology, Time Out, The Guardian, Perth Now, and 9News.
Christmas Weather Forecast across Australia at a Glance
Australia is heading for a sharply split Christmas Day. Searing heat is set to grip the north and west, while near-winter conditions take hold in the south. This stark contrast is driven by a high-pressure system over the Great Australian Bight.
The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts Perth and Brisbane as the hottest capitals, with temperatures soaring to 41°C and 35°C. In contrast, Melbourne and Hobart are expected to shiver through highs of just 17°C and 16°C.
Storms and heavy rain are also forecast to sweep across northern Australia, along with parts of New South Wales and Victoria, as severe weather warnings continue.
Christmas Weather Forecast across Australia by City
Melbourne
Christmas Day is set to defy tradition in Melbourne, with a cool and subdued forecast replacing the usual summer scorch. AccuWeather predicts a mild top of around 17-18°C, dipping to 12-13°C, under partly cloudy skies and the chance of a brief morning shower.
While conditions should stay mostly dry, gusty afternoon winds may add a wintry edge. Be prepared with light layers rather than just swimwear.
Perth
Perth is bracing for a blistering Christmas Day, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a searing peak of 41°C. This extreme heat follows a stifling overnight low of 26°C and a scorching 39°C on Christmas Eve.
Interestingly, forecasts just weeks ago painted a far cooler picture of 24°C, but now beaches and backyard pools will be the essential escapes as temperatures soar.
Brisbane
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, Brisbane is also in for a steamy Christmas, coming over with highs pushing into the mid-30s. Conditions are expected to be very muggy, presenting the chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. At the same time, overnight temperatures will offer little relief, hovering around a balmy 23°C.
Sydney
Though the East Coast faces the risk of passing showers, New South Wales is generally up for a largely dry and mostly sunny day. Sydney can expect one or two showers, bearing temperatures that peak around 25°C before easing to an overnight low of 19°C.
Canberra
Canberra is shaping up for a mostly sunny Christmas Day as temperatures climb to a warm 28°C. However, the capital will cool sharply after sunset, gearing up for overnight drops to a brisk 10°C.
Hobart
In Hobart, Christmas is forecast to remain cloudy and unseasonably cold. A high of only 16°C is expected before the mercury dips to a chilly 9°C overnight.
Read: Where to Go During Christmas for Australians? Here's Top 10 Countries to Explore
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News