Australia is experiencing extreme heat this weekend, with severe heatwave conditions, high fire danger, and storm warnings issued across the country.
Southern Australia is currently in the grip of an intense heatwave, which began on Thursday and is forecast to continue through Sunday. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that regions in New South Wales — including the mid-north coast, Illawarra, south coast, and Snowy Mountains — may face temperatures ranging from the high 30s to low 40s.
A severe heatwave alert is active along much of the east coast, stretching from eastern Victoria up to Brisbane. The BoM anticipates slightly cooler conditions to begin spreading northward over the weekend as the heatwave peaks.
The NRMA has issued a critical warning, particularly to parents, about the dangers of leaving children in parked vehicles. They emphasized that car interiors can become dangerously hot very quickly — even on mild days — posing life-threatening risks such as heatstroke or dehydration.
Christmas Weather Forecast:
The BoM has released its forecast for December 25:
- Queensland: Expect warm, humid, and overcast conditions with moderate rainfall and possible thunderstorms in northern and central areas. Brisbane may reach 33°C.
- New South Wales: Mostly dry and sunny across the state. Eastern coastal areas may get light showers (under 5mm). Thunderstorms are possible in the northeast, but not expected to be severe. Sydney’s high will be 25°C, and Canberra will reach 29°C.
- Victoria: Cooler with scattered light showers. Melbourne is forecast to hit just 19°C, while northern regions may reach the mid to high 20s.
- Tasmania: Cool conditions with scattered showers and a chance of snow on higher peaks above 1,000 metres. Hobart is expected to reach 17°C, and western Tasmania will stay in the mid-teens.
- Western Australia: Hot and dry, with temperatures climbing into the high 30s and low 40s. Perth is forecast to hit 39°C.
- Northern Territory: Warm and humid with cloudy skies. Central and northern areas will see temps in the mid to high 30s, with Darwin expecting 32°C.
Weekend Weather Breakdown by State:
- ACT: Severe heatwave alert issued. Temperatures will hit mid to high 30s. Cooler weather expected Saturday.
- NSW: Extreme heatwave warnings in coastal and mountainous areas. Inland and northern regions will see highs of 30–40°C.
- VIC: Northern regions will hit mid 30s to low 40s. Heatwave conditions to peak Thursday and Friday before easing.
- QLD: Severe heatwave in Darling Downs and Granite Belt. Conditions to intensify over the weekend and early next week.
- WA: Thunderstorms and showers expected. Strong wind warnings issued for coastal areas on Friday.
- SA: Extreme fire danger across southern areas. Some showers and storms forecast over the weekend.
- TAS: Showers and potential thunderstorms. Strong wind warnings issued for coastal areas Thursday and Friday.
- NT: Thunderstorm warnings with damaging wind gusts in certain areas. Heavy rain and storm activity forecast through Friday.
