Christmas Day weather: Perth forecast up again, to sizzle in 41C while WA’s north hit by storms
If you thought the previous forecast for Christmas Day was hot, the latest outlook is sure to frustrate you.
An absolutely sizzling 41C is now predicted to be the order of Christmas Day in Perth, making the beach and backyard pools hugely popular.
Extreme temperatures will follow a warm night of 26 degrees, with the mercury hitting 39 degrees on Christmas Eve.
A few weeks ago the temperature for Christmas in Perth was predicted to be 24 degrees. This was later changed to 39C. Then 40C. And now it’s 41C.
Fortunately, the weather cools down in the city the next day with a minimum of 23 degrees and then a comfortable maximum of 30 degrees.
Storms and rain are expected in the Kimberley region on Christmas Day, while temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-40s in the Pilbara.
WA’s southwest will be cooler, with the mercury hovering in the late 20s and early 30s in most places.
While Perth and most of WA are cooking up on Christmas Day, the weather across Australia is quite different.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting that Brisbane will also experience temperatures of 35C.
But residents of Melbourne and Hobart may have to break out their winter woollens with temperatures forecast of just 17C and 16C respectively.
“If Melbourne only reaches 17C it will be Melbourne’s coldest Christmas Day since 2006,” senior meteorologist Jonathan How said.
“They are pretty extreme on both ends of the country.”
There is a chance of showers in Melbourne in the morning, while showers are expected in Western Tasmania.
“We could even see light snowfall in the higher elevations on Christmas morning,” Mr How said.
Conditions in Brisbane will be “very muggy” and the city could experience showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon.
Thunderstorms and rain are forecast across much of the Northern Territory from the upper Sunshine Coast to Cairns and WA.
Darwin and Cairns are forecast to have maximum temperatures in the low 30s, while Adelaide, Sydney and Canberra will be in the sweet spot with highs in the mid-20s.
The large difference in daily temperatures is due to a high pressure system circulating over the Great Australian Bight, which is not very common for this time of year.
“It just depends on timing and unfortunately the coolest day of the week falls on Christmas Day in Victoria and Tasmania,” Mr How said.
“The weather is warming up after that; it will be dry for the Boxing Day test and we will see the sun rise at the MCG in the afternoon.
“The weather for Melbourne and certainly the south-east of the country will start to warm up towards the end of next week.”
Sweltering temperatures in Perth and WA have prompted State health chief Andrew Robertson to warn people to protect themselves.
Dr. “Extreme heat is Australia’s deadliest natural hazard,” Robertson said on Saturday.
“We’re seeing longer, hotter and more frequent heatwaves, and Western Australians should prepare early and take precautions when temperatures rise.”
Dr Robertson said extreme heat could strain the heart and kidneys, cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, and could be life-threatening if left untreated.
“Even fit and healthy people can be affected if they don’t take precautions,” he said.
“It is important to stay hydrated during the hottest hours of the day, rest in cool places and look after each other.”
WA Health recommends drinking plenty of water, seeking shade or air conditioning in the middle of the day, avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and using sunscreen when outdoors.
Dr Robertson encouraged people to check on vulnerable community members during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
“Check on neighbors, elderly relatives, friends and those who are sick or living alone – a quick call or visit can make a big difference,” she said.
BOM meteorologist Jessica Lingard said a severe heatwave was likely in Perth in the three days before Christmas, with the mercury hitting 31°C on Monday and then 36°C on Tuesday.
PERTH WEATHER FORECAST
Monday: Sunny, 17-31
Tuesday: Sunny, 18-36
Christmas Eve: Sunny, 21-39
Christmas day: Mostly sunny, 26-41
Boxing Day: Partly cloudy, 23-30
Saturday: Mostly sunny, 16-28
