Millions of Australians have been told to prepare for a weekend of extreme weather, with heatwave warnings in place for much of the country and “life-threatening” flash flooding posing a risk to North Queensland.
The Bureau of Meteorology expects temperatures to hit brutal highs of the mid-40s in Western Australia's outback and mining regions this weekend, while Sydney will experience top temperatures of 37 degrees.
“Hot, dry, fire weather is the key story,” BOM senior meteorologist Angus Hines said Saturday morning.
Heatwave warnings lasting until Tuesday are in force for large parts of WA, southeast Queensland, coastal and northern NSW, and parts of the Northern Territory.
“Severe heat waves can be dangerous for many people, especially the elderly, infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, people with medical conditions and people who are unwell,” a BOM statement warned.
“Find a place to stay cool, such as your home, a library, community center or shopping center.”
Sydneysiders are likely to flock to the beach this weekend as temperatures are expected to approach 40 degrees Celsius, while a heatwave swelters other parts of the state
Temperatures will be scorching in WA and central Australia, but NSW and Queensland will also get plenty of the warm weather
Fire warnings
Mr Hines also warned of 'increased fire danger' as high temperatures and dry, gusty winds persist throughout Saturday.
Metro Sydney, the Central Coast and Northern NSW are at particular risk.
“Extreme fire danger is forecast for the following fire districts: Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, Central Ranges, Northern Slopes and North Western,” BOM said.
In Western Australia, extreme fire danger is forecast for the Midwest Coast, Midwest Inland, Lesueur, Yarra Yarra, Swan Inland South and Capes districts.
In the Northern Territory, an increased fire danger is expected for the Barkly North district.
Heatwave warnings are in force for northern NSW for Saturday, with Sydney narrowly avoiding a heatwave declaration
This part of the year, mid-December, is usually the hottest in Australia and with the longest days due to the Earth's axis
Heatwave warnings are in force for parts of Queensland and WA on Saturday
Flooding for North Queensland
But even as millions of Australians suffer dry gusts and heat, it's a different story for residents of North Queensland as ex-tropical Cyclone Jasper brings the threat of rain and life-threatening flash flooding.
“Ex-Tropical Cyclone Jasper is currently located approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Kowanyama and is expected to move slowly today,” BOM said.
'At this stage Jasper is expected to enter the Gulf of Carpentaria on Sunday, although there is uncertainty as to exactly when this will happen.'
There is a risk of flash flooding as heavy rain is expected to continue across the Southern Peninsula, Gulf Country and far northern Goldfields and Upper Flinders this weekend.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper has passed over Cairns and Port Douglas, knocking down trees and power lines in its wake
Flash flooding remains a concern for the area, with rain set to continue in already drenched towns
“Six-hour precipitation totals between 100 and 140 mm are likely, with 24-hour totals up to 200 mm, especially on the eastern side of the system center,” BOM said.
'Locally intense rainfall that could lead to dangerous and life-threatening flash flooding is also possible during this period, with rainfall reaching 200mm in six hours, especially during thunderstorms.'
BOM expects southern parts of the country to see milder temperatures, with temperatures maxing out at around 20 degrees in 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, the service predicts a high of 26 degrees Celsius on December 25 with perhaps some cloud and perhaps some morning rain to keep things cooler, although the afternoon should be clear for those eating lunch outside.
Boxing Day will be even better with a high of 24 degrees Celsius and clear skies, although some rain may fall in the week leading up to Christmas.
Brisbane will be a little warmer at 29 degrees and it could rain all day, so indoor festivities could be a good choice.
But Boxing Day looks like perfect outdoor weather for those who want to venture to parks and beaches with a high of 27 degrees Celsius and sunny skies.
Christmas and especially Boxing Day are looking pretty good for most capital cities
Melbourne will experience a few wet and windy days in mid-December.
It should be 26 degrees Celsius on Christmas Day and although no rain is forecast, it could be muggy and clouds will still hang over the city.
On Boxing Day it cools down with a maximum of 23 degrees Celsius and clouds, but no rain.
Adelaide is looking good for pre-Christmas celebrations with good weather in mid-December, although showers are possible on Christmas and Boxing Day.
The temperature should be comfortable between 26 and 27 degrees Celsius.
Perth should see some relief from the warm weather by Christmas and Boxing Day with sunny skies and highs of 25 to 27 degrees Celsius.
It looks like Canberra will have similar temperatures, but with cloudy skies.
Hobart will be cool and cloudy with highs of 21 degrees Celsius, although rain is unlikely.
And in Darwin, where the monsoon season is in full swing, it will be hotter at 34 degrees Celsius and there will likely be rain and afternoon storms.