WARM and mostly sunny for Canberra is the the Bureau of Meteorology’s first official Christmas Day forecast for 2021.

BOM says most of Australia should see warm and settled weather for the festive season with only a few showers and storms for the northern half of the country.

Meteorologist Jackson Browne said today (December 19) while Christmas was still a week away and the forecast could change, Australians could start making the finishing touches to their plans.

“Most of Australia looks set for a warm and dry Christmas Day, with the chance of rain and storms for the northern half of the country, including areas such as Weipa in the Gulf of Carpentaria and extending into the NT.

“A ridge of high pressure should extend east to west across southern Australia, leading to the relatively mild and settled conditions. Tropical moisture will move in from Indonesia and the Coral Sea, which will then build over northern Australia, increasing shower and storm activity.

“Most of the capitals around the country will be warm and mostly sunny – Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide can all expect a top of between 27 and 30 ⁰C. Perth will be sunny and hot, with a top of 34⁰C.

“Hobart will be a little cooler on 23⁰C, and Darwin can expect a shower or two, and maybe a storm with a top of 34⁰C.

“It will be hot across the interior, with Alice Springs expecting a top of 38⁰C, with the heat extending north into WA. However with cooler minimum temperatures, heatwave conditions are unlikely.

“The mostly settled weather also means it won’t be too windy, except for those locations that might see a storm or two,” the forecaster said.

“For those on the beach or on the water, seas and swell look fairly calm across most of the country.

“The Bureau releases the forecast seven days out to provide the Australian community with plenty of notice to make their plans, and also to ensure we have enough confidence to develop an accurate picture of what the weather will be.”

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