As the New Year approaches, northern Australia will experience a significant heatwave, while the east coast anticipates more thunderstorms and showers.
Jonathan How, a forecaster from the Bureau of Meteorology, indicated that most capital cities, including Sydney and Melbourne, should have clear weather for New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, Brisbane is expected to have lingering showers throughout the evening.
Severe thunderstorms are forecasted for northeast New South Wales and southeast Queensland over the weekend, potentially causing heavy rainfall, damaging winds, and large hail.
Sydney’s New Year’s Eve should be clear, but Brisbane expects persistent showers.These storms are likely to be more intense than recent ones and may affect areas already experiencing stormy conditions. Sydney is expected to have a low risk of storms, and Victoria should remain unaffected.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney may see some showers and cool temperatures, but the rain should clear by midnight. Brisbane will be the wettest major city on Sunday, with severe thunderstorms expected throughout the day, easing to lighter showers by midnight.
The east coast, from north of Coffs Harbour to northern Queensland, faces a risk of thunderstorms affecting areas like Byron Bay, Brisbane, and Cairns. Melbourne, Canberra, Hobart, and Adelaide are anticipated to stay mostly dry with temperatures in the low to mid-20s Celsius.
Northern and Western Australia will endure extreme heat, with Marble Bar expected to reach 49°C on Saturday and 48°C on Sunday.
Perth will have the best New Year’s Eve weather, with sunny skies and temperatures reaching 30°C during the day and 24°C at midnight. Darwin will experience warm temperatures with possible showers and a high of 35°C.