Christmas Weather Chaos: Australia Braces for Heatwaves, Storms, and Flash Flooding as Temperatures Soar to 40C
- Severe heatwaves and storms to batter eastern Australia, with temperatures reaching up to 40C in Perth
- Flash flooding, large hailstones, and damaging wind gusts expected in NSW and Victoria
- Tropical low and monsoon trough to bring widespread rain and storms to northern Australia, disrupting Christmas travel plans
- Christmas Day forecast: Perth to sizzle at 40C, while Sydney and Melbourne experience mild to cool conditions
Australia is set to endure a wild ride of extreme weather conditions over the next few days, with temperatures expected to soar to 40C in Perth and severe storms forecast for eastern states. The Bureau of Meteorology’s senior meteorologist, Sarah Scully, warned of a “fairly big storm day” on Sunday, with widespread severe storms possible across large parts of New South Wales and Victoria.
Heatwave conditions are already making their presence felt in the south-east, with Adelaide reaching 41C on Thursday and Melbourne hitting 38C. The heatwave is expected to continue through the eastern parts of New South Wales and into south-east Queensland next week, with temperatures “well above average” on Sunday.
But it’s not just the heat that’s causing concern – a tropical low and monsoon trough are forecast to bring widespread rain and storms to northern Australia, potentially disrupting Christmas travel plans. “Because this low-pressure system does sort of linger over the Top End or western Gulf Country over the next few days, it is going to end up being sort of multiple days of heavy rainfall that could disrupt transport or travel plans over the Christmas period,” Ms Scully warned.
Sunday is shaping up to be the peak day for severe storms, with a low-pressure system and associated cold front tapping into tropical moisture and drawing it further southwards. The storms are expected to move away from far south-eastern Australia late on Sunday into Monday, but not before bringing the risk of heavy rainfall, large hailstones, and damaging wind gusts.
Meanwhile, Perth is expected to be the hottest of all the capitals, thanks to north-easterly winds coming in from the western deserts. Christmas Day is forecast to reach a scorching 40C, with Boxing Day expected to be partly cloudy and 31C.
In a stark contrast, Hobart is likely to see a dry but cool Christmas, with temperatures reaching just 17C on Christmas Day. Melbourne is expected to experience a relatively cool but dry Christmas, with temperatures ranging from 18C to 20C over the festive period.
As Australia gears up for a chaotic Christmas, Ms Scully urged people to stay informed and plan ahead. “It’s always a good idea to check the forecast before you head out, especially if you’re planning to travel,” she said.