Hot and sunny or wet and windy? Xmas weather near you
With only one week until Christmas, we have now entered the meteorological window of predictability — so will the weather be naughty, or nice?
Source: Bureau of Meteorology
Christmas is just a week away and at last the first predictions are in for weather for the big day across Australia’s capital cities.
It’s a mixed bag across the country, with some places (we’re looking at you, Darwin and Brisbane) forecast to cop a festive drenching while others bask in sunshine (hello, Adelaide).
Before then, much of the country will endure a pre-Christmas heatwave that will drive up temperatures.
“Adelaide is forecast to reach around 35 degrees on Wednesday and 39 degrees on Thursday, making for two very hot days to start the men’s Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval,” forecaster Weatherzone said.
“Melbourne’s maximum temperature [is] predicted to reach … 37 degrees on Thursday, which would be the city’s hottest day in 10 months.”
Sydney, meanwhile, can expect highs of 31-35 degrees to close out the week, and closer to 40 in its west. Canberra will also have a run of days in the mid-30s.
“Heat will build over southern Queensland late in the week, with Brisbane’s maximum temperatures climbing to the low to mid-30s from Friday,” Weatherzone said.
There will also be areas of rain and thunderstorms as moisture feeds into a low-pressure trough on the western flank of the high-pressure system. Weatherzone said the rain and storms will extend from northern Australia down through the red centre by Thursday, before spreading deeper into the south-east from Friday into the weekend.
“Some of this week’s thunderstorms are likely to become severe, with potential for heavy rain, large hail and damaging winds,” it said.
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But enough of that. Because all eyes are really on next Thursday.
Here are predictions from two forecasters for what the Christmas Day weather fairies will bring for you, wherever you are:
Adelaide can expect a sunny day with a top of 29 degrees to celebrate Christmas. Photo: Getty
Adelaide
The South Australian capital might just about be the place to be on December 25. AccuWeather is tipping a clear day with long sunny spells and a pleasant maximum of 27 degrees.
“Mostly sunny, southerly winds,” Weatherzone says – agreeing with the likely top temperature.
Brisbane
It will be warmer in Queensland, with Weatherzone tipping a top of 30 degrees for Brisbane.
But it will also be wet. Both forecasters expect cloud and rain, while AccuWeather also predicts an early thunderstorm – and don’t forget the humidity.
Perth
Head west for a sunny scorcher, with a predicted top of 38 degrees after an overnight low of 23. Weatherzone expects easterly winds, tending south-westerly.
“Hot with bright spells,” forecasts AccuWeather, tipping the city to get to a maximum of 34 degrees next Thursday.
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“Mostly clear and warm.”
Hobart
It will be a little cooler in the Tasmanian capital, with AccuWeather expecting the day to top out at 18 degrees. It forecasts sunny periods in a partly cloudy day.
Weatherzone has that forecast on the money, although it also warns of a “chance [of a] shower or storm”.
Canberra
In the national capital, a sunny day with a maximum temperature of 29 degrees is on the way. Weatherzone warns of fresh easterly and northerly winds.
AccuWeather has similar outlook, predicting a top of 27 degrees and “bright periods”.
Darwin
Our northernmost capital city might cop a soaking as barbecues are fired-up for the festive feast.
“Cloudy with a thunderstorm or two,” AccuWeather predicts, along with a top temperature of 32 degrees.
“Cloudy. Rain, heavy at times. North-west winds,” Weatherzone advises, forecasting the same maximum.
Sydney
Weatherzone predicts a mostly cloudy day in the harbour city, with showers and south-easterly winds. It’s picking a top of 27 degrees.
Rival AccuWeather has a glummer view, predicting spells of rain in the morning and a top of only 22 degrees.
Melbourne
Head south to the Victorian capital, and AccuWeather predicts a similar maximum, with a clear day.
Weatherzone has a similar forecast, with a top of 21 degrees and a mostly sunny day with fresh south-westerly winds.
