Australians in major cities look set to be mostly spared La Niña rains on what is likely to be a mild Christmas Day, according to weather forecasters.
AccuWeather forecasts clear skies for Melbourne and Hobart on 25 December, while clouds are expected to linger across the rest of the country into the evening.
The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted a mixed outlook for rainfall from 20 December to the start of the new year, with wetter-than-average patches across the east coast and drier-than-average conditions elsewhere. Maximum temperatures were also expected to be below average for the southern half of Australia.
Ahead of the release on Saturday of the BoM’s official forecast for the week of Christmas, AccuWeather has predicted possible showers in Queensland and the Northern Territory on Christmas Day, with temperatures hitting the high 20s in most major cities.
Sydney
Sydney is set to be a mild 23C with sunshine and clouds throughout the day, according to AccuWeather.
There’s no chance of rain until the evening, which will cool to 19C and may see a shower or two late. During the day, expect winds of up to 32km/h.
From Boxing Day, Sydney will enjoy a string of sunny days in the lead-up to New Year’s Eve.
Canberra
Canberra is shaping up for a warm Christmas Day with a high of 25C and no rainfall. There’ll be a mix of clouds and sunshine until the evening, which will be partly cloudy and cool to 14C, according to AccuWeather.
Winds of up to 30km/h are expected, with temperatures in the high 20s for the following week.
Melbourne
Melbourne is set for a beautiful sunny day with clear skies and no rain if AccuWeather’s forecasts are accurate. With a high of 29C, there is just a 9% chance of cloud cover, with winds of 19km/h expected into the afternoon. Come evening, the temperature will hit a low of 19C.
The days surrounding Christmas will also be in the high 20s.
Perth
AccuWeather is forecasting a cloudy day in Perth, with a high of 29C and winds of up to 43km/h. There’s no rain forecast, but clouds are expected to linger until the evening when it will mostly clear up, with a low of 17C.
Brisbane
The Christmas lunch may have to be served indoors in Brisbane, with some rain forecast to hit in the afternoon and evening. Otherwise, it will be a muggy, cloudy day of 28C, according to AccuWeather. Winds of up to 44km/h are possible, with showers clearing in the week following Christmas.
Adelaide
Adelaide can expect a warm, dry Christmas Day with a high of 29C. Clouds are expected to linger until the evening, with winds of up to 46km/h possible. Following Christmas, the city will be blessed with a string of days in the 30s and sunshine.
Darwin
Of Australia’s capital cities, Darwin will have the hottest Christmas Day with a forecast high of 34C. With a couple of thunderstorms likely in the afternoon and evening, it will also be a muggy and cloudy day. Winds of up to 32km/h expected.
The thunderstorms are expected to continue for the rest of the week, according to AccuWeather.
Hobart
Hobart will enjoy a clear and sunny day if AccuWeather forecasts hold up. It is currently predicted to reach 22C in Hobart, with just a 10% chance of cloud cover and no rain on the radar.
Winds of up to 33km/h are expected, with clear skies in the evening and a low of 13C.
