From sweltering heat to rain: A state-by-state guide to Christmas weather
After sweltering through a hot week with a number of temperature records broken, Australians are set for some reprieve over Christmas.
The Bureau of Meteorology said on Thursday the country’s average maximum day-time temperature was 41.9C on Wednesday based on preliminary analysis.
Victoria also went through its hottest December day on record on Friday, with Hopetoun in the state's northwest cracking 47.4C.
The Bureau of Meteorology says it exceeded the previous record of 46.6C set at Robinvale on New Year’s Eve 1976.
In NSW, Delinquin in the southwest reached 46.1 just after 3pm while Renmark, northeast of Adelaide, hit 48.6.
According to BOM’s records, its Renmark’s highest recorded temperature since 1995 when it hit 48.2 in February 7, 2009.
NSW and the ACT
Sydneysiders could be in for some light showers and thunderstorms on Christmas Day with a high of 25. However, it’s predicted only 1mm of rain could fall.
Ballina in the state’s north is forecast for 27 with between 4-10mm.
The nation’s capital could be slightly warmer with a high of 30 and partly cloudy.
As for Boxing Day, Sydney is due for 27, Canberra a sweltering 34 and Ballina 27 with a shower or two.
Victoria
Melbourne’s in for a partly cloudy Christmas Day with a high of 28.
Mildura in Victoria’s northwest is set for a sizzling 39 while Cobram on the NSW-Victoria border is due to hit 36 degrees.
Horsham in the state’s west is forecast for 34.
As for Boxing Day, Melbourne is due for a cooler 22 and partly cloudy while Mildura will see some relief with a top of 35.
Cobram and Horsham are forecast for 33 and 32 respectively.
Queensland
Brisbanites can expect between 1-8mm for their Christmas Day with a high of 29.
Expect similar conditions on the Gold Coast too.
Rockhampton is set for a searing 40-degree Christmas Day while areas between the Whitsundays to Townsville can expect temperatures in the low 30s.
Conditions will be much the same on Boxing Day for Brisbane residents, but those living in Rockhampton will see some reprieve with the heat dropping to 36.
Most towns between the Whitsundays to North Queensland are in for similar weather on Boxing Day as they did on Christmas Day.
South Australia
While some areas in South Australia reached more than 45 this week, residents can expect some relief on Christmas Day.
Adelaide is due for a high of 32.
After a sweltering Friday, Renmark is in for a top of 40.
Areas in inland South Australia are also in for a hot day – Marla, northwest of Adelaide, is due to reach 45.
Oodnadatta, west of Marla, is forecast for 43.
Adelaide’s Boxing Day is forecast for 31 and Renmark 37.
Marla and Oodnadatta are both forecast for 45 and 43 days respectively.
Western Australia
Perth’s forecast for 36 on Christmas Day while areas south including Fremantle and Mandurah should sit about 35.
Exmouth, in WA’s northwest, is in for a far warmer Christmas Day though with temperatures hitting a high of 41. Anyone visiting Port Hedland can expect similar sweltering heat.
Conditions on Boxing Day won’t change much in Perth and its surrounding areas, but Exmouth and Port Hedland can still expect temperatures in the 40s.
Port Hedland is forecast to reach a top of 44.
Northern Territory
Darwin’s in for a toasty Christmas Day with a high of 36.
Alice Springs is in for a far warmer day with a top of 45.
Both can expect similar temperatures on Boxing Day too.
Tasmania
Temperatures in the low 20s will greet Hobart residents on Christmas Day with a top of 23 predicted.
Launceston residents can expect the same as their southern neighbours.
Boxing Day will be slightly warmer though with Launceston set to reach 27 while Hobart residents can expect the temperature to sit around 23 again.
With AAP
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