Millions of ns have been told to prepare for a weekend of extreme weather with much of the country under heatwave warnings and ‘life threatening’ flash flooding a risk for north Queensland.
The Bureau of Meteorology expects temperatures to reach brutal highs of mid-40 degrees over the weekend in interior and mining regions of Western , while Sydney will battle top temperatures of 37 degrees.
‘Hot, dry, fire weather is the key story,’ BOM senior meteorologist Angus Hines said on Saturday morning.
Heatwave warnings lasting until Tuesday are in place for large swathes of WA, southeastern Queensland, coastal and northern NSW, and parts of the Northern Territory.
‘Severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, especially older people, babies, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,’ a statement from BOM warned.
‘Seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre.’
Sydneysiders are likely to be heading to the beach in droves this weekend as temperatures are expected to near 40C while other parts of the state swelter through a heatwave
The temperatures will be scorching in WA and central but NSW and Queensland will also get much of the hot weather
Fire warnings
Mr Hines also warns of ‘elevated fire danger’ as high temperatures and dry, gusty winds sweep through Saturday.
Metro Sydney, the Central Coast and Northern NSW are at particular risk.
‘Extreme Fire Danger is forecast for the following fire weather districts: Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes and North Western,’ BOM states.
In Western , extreme fire danger is forecast for the Midwest Coast, Midwest Inland, Lesueur, Yarra Yarra, Swan Inland South and Capes districts.
In the Northern Territory, elevated fire danger is forecast for the Barkly North district.
There are heatwave warnings in place for northern NSW for Saturday with Sydney just avoiding a heatwave declaration
This part of the year, mid-December, is usually the hottest in and with the longest days because of the earth’s axis
Heatwave warnings are in place for parts of Queensland and WA on Saturday
Flooding for North Queensland
But even as millions of ns swelter through dry gusty winds and heat, it’s a different story for North Queenslanders as ex Tropical Cyclone Jasper brings the threat of rain and life-threatening flash flood risks.
‘Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper is currently located approximately 100 kilometres southeast of Kowanyama and is expected to remain slow-moving today,’ BOM states.
‘At this stage, Jasper is forecast to shift into the Gulf of Carpentaria during Sunday, although uncertainty exists on when exactly this will occur.’
There is a risk of flash flooding as heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the southern Peninsula, Gulf Country and far northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders over the weekend.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper has passed by Cairns and Port Douglas knocking down trees and electrical lines in its wake
Flash flooding remains a concern for the area with rain set to continue in already soaked towns
‘Six-hourly rainfall totals between 100 to 140mm are likely, with 24-hourly totals up to 200mm, particularly on the eastern side of the system centre,’ BOM said.
‘Locally intense rainfall which may lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also possible during this period with six-hourly rainfall totals up to 200mm, particularly with thunderstorms.’
BOM expects the southern parts of the country to see milder temperatures, with temperatures maxing out in the low 20s for Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide.
Christmas weather in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
Weather service Accuweather has released their Christmas weather forecast and it’s looking pretty good.
In Sydney on December 25 the service forecasts a top of 26C with perhaps a few clouds and maybe some morning rain to keep things cooler, though the afternoon should be clear for those having outdoor lunches.
Boxing Day will be even better with a top of 24C and clear skies, though the week leading up to Christmas could see some rain.
Brisbane will be a little hotter at 29C and it could rain through the day so indoor festivities might be a good choice.
But Boxing Day is looking like perfect outdoor weather for those wanting to venture out to parks and beaches with a top of 27C and sunny skies.
Christmas and especially Boxing Day are looking pretty good for most capital cities
Melbourne will see a few wet and windy days in mid December.
On Christmas day it should hit 26C and while there is no rain forecast, it could be muggy with clouds still hanging over the city.
It will cool right down on Boxing Day with a maximum of 23C and clouds but no rain.
Adelaide is looking nice for pre-Christmas parties with fine weather in mid-December, though Christmas and Boxing Day might see showers.
Temperatures should be comfortable at 26C to 27C.
Perth should get some relief from the hot weather by Christmas and Boxing Day with sunny skies and maximums of 25C to 27C.
Canberra is looking like it will have similar temperatures but with cloudy skies.
Hobart will be cool and overcast with maximums of 21C though it’s not likely to rain.
And Darwin, where the monsoon season is in full swing, will be hotter at 34C and is likely to see rain and afternoon storms.