As the festive season approaches, Australians are eagerly planning their Christmas celebrations, but for some, the weather may play a grinch in their holiday cheer. The latest forecast has revealed that thunderstorms could potentially disrupt Christmas plans in one particular state, leaving many to wonder if their outdoor festivities might need a last-minute change of venue.
The holiday forecast, which has been a topic of much speculation, suggests that Sydney could experience a mix of sunshine and thunderstorms on Christmas Day, with temperatures expected to soar to a warm 28°C. This could mean that while the morning may allow for some beach time or a sunny backyard cricket match, the afternoon could bring with it the rumble of thunder and the need to move the celebrations indoors.
Melbourne, on the other hand, is predicted to have a hot but cloudy Christmas with the mercury hitting 23°C. While there may not be thunderstorms in the forecast, the overcast conditions could still dampen the mood for those hoping for a bright and sunny holiday.
Adelaide residents can look forward to a pleasant 26°C on Christmas Day, although Christmas Eve is set to be cloudy. This could provide the perfect temperature for a long lunch outdoors, but families should keep an eye on the sky for any unexpected changes.
Perth is expected to bask in ‘abundant amounts of sunshine’ with a high of 29°C across the three-day Christmas period. This could be the ideal setting for beachgoers and those planning to fire up the barbie for a traditional Aussie Christmas feast.
Brisbane is tipped to enjoy mostly sunny conditions with temperatures reaching 27°C on Christmas Eve and climbing to 28°C on Christmas Day. Boxing Day is set to be the hottest of the three, at 29°C, making it perfect for post-Christmas relaxation and activities.
Canberra is forecasted to have a mostly sunny Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 28°C, with a slight drop in temperature to 26°C on Boxing Day. This could provide Canberrans with the ideal weather for a mix of indoor and outdoor celebrations.
Hobart might need to prepare for a wetter Christmas Eve at 18°C, but showers are expected to clear by Christmas Day, which is also anticipated to reach 18°C. Boxing Day could see a slight increase in temperature to 19°C, but cloudy conditions with the potential for showers might still be on the cards.
Darwin, known for its tropical climate, is set for high temperatures of 33°C across the three-day period. However, thunderstorms and showers are also forecasted, which means that Darwinians might need to plan for indoor festivities or have contingency plans ready.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s senior meteorologist Jonathon How has indicated that the bureau will release a more detailed holiday forecast later in the month. However, he notes that December is shaping up to be wetter than average, particularly on the east coast and in cities like Adelaide, Melbourne, and Hobart.
‘The main message for this week is it’s going to be hot, humid, and unsettled,’ a bureau spokesperson said. ‘There’s a chance of seeing that for the rest of the month, but as we know, all we need is that one good day on Christmas.’
With the average maximum temperatures for December typically at 25°C for Sydney, 24°C for Melbourne, 30°C for Brisbane and Perth, 27°C for Adelaide and Canberra, 20°C for Hobart, and 33°C for Darwin, this year’s forecast suggests a warmer and potentially wetter Christmas than usual.
As we count down the days to December 25th, it’s important to stay updated on the latest weather predictions and have a backup plan ready. Whether it’s ensuring your home is ready to host the festivities at short notice or having games and activities prepared for an indoor setting, a little preparation can go a long way in ensuring that your Christmas is merry and bright, come rain or shine.
Are you changing your plans, or do you have any tips for celebrating the season regardless of the weather? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!