If you thought earlier forecasts for Christmas Day were hot, then the latest outlook is sure to give you a meltdown.
An absolutely sizzling 41C is now predicted to be the order of Christmas Day in Perth, making the beach and back yard pools massively popular.
The extreme heat will come on the back of a warm night of 26C, with the mercury on Christmas Eve hitting 39C.
A few weeks ago, Christmas in Perth had been forecast to be a lovely 24C. This then changed to 39C. Then 40C. And now 41C.
Thankfully, it cools down in the city on Boxing Day, with a minimum of 23C followed by a comfortable 30C maximum.
Storms and rain are forecast over the Kimberley region on Christmas Day, while temperatures are slated to reach the low to mid 40s in the Pilbara.
The south-west of WA will be cooler, with the mercury hovering in the late 20s and early 30s for most parts.
While Perth and most of WA cooks on Christmas Day, the weather is wildly different across Australia.
The Bureau of Meteorology tips Brisbane to also feel the heat with 35C.
However, residents in Melbourne and Hobart may have to break out their winter woollies with forecast tops of just 17C and 16C respectively.
“If Melbourne only reaches 17C, it will be Melbourne’s coldest Christmas Day since 2006,” senior meteorologist Jonathan How said.
“Quite the extremes across both ends of the country.”
There is a chance of a shower in Melbourne in the morning, while showers are forecast across western Tasmania.
“We could even see some light snow flurries about the elevated country on Christmas morning,” Mr How said.
Conditions will be “very muggy” in Brisbane and the city could be hit by a shower or thunderstorm in the afternoon.
Storms and rain are forecast from the above the Sunshine Coast to Cairns across most of the Northern Territory and to WA.
Darwin and Cairns have predicted maximum temperatures in the low 30s, while Adelaide, Sydney and Canberra will be in the sweet spot with tops in the mid 20s.
The huge variance in daily temperatures stems from a high-pressure system hovering over the Great Australian Bight, which is not common for this time of year.
“It just comes down to timing and unfortunately the coolest day of the week coincides with Christmas Day across Victoria and Tasmania,” Mr How said.
“It’s warming up after that — for the Boxing Day Test it will be dry and we will see the sun coming out for the afternoon at the MCG.
“For Melbourne and certainly the south-east of the country, it will start to warm up heading into next weekend.”
The scorching temperatures across Perth and WA prompted State chief health officer Andrew Robertson to warn people to protect themselves.
“Extreme heat is Australia’s deadliest natural hazard,” Dr Robertson said on Saturday.
“We’re seeing longer, hotter and more frequent heatwaves and Western Australians should prepare early and take precautions when temperatures climb.”
Dr Robertson said extreme heat could strain the heart and kidneys, cause dehydration and heat exhaustion, and if untreated could be life-threatening.
“Even fit and healthy people can be affected if they don’t take precautions,” he said.
“It’s important to stay hydrated, rest in cool places during the hottest part of the day and look after each other.”
WA Health advises drinking plenty of water, seeking shade or air-conditioning during the middle of the day, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day and wearing light, loose clothing and using sunscreen outdoors.
Dr Robertson encouraged people to check on vulnerable community members during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
“Check in on neighbours, older relatives, friends and those who are unwell or living alone – a quick call or visit can make all the difference,” he said.
BOM meteorologist Jessica Lingard said a severe heatwave was likely in Perth in the three days leading up to Christmas, with the mercury hitting 31C on Monday then 36C on Tuesday.
PERTH WEATHER FORECAST
Monday: Sunny, 17-31
Tuesday: Sunny, 18-36
Christmas Eve: Sunny, 21-39
Christmas Day: Mostly sunny, 26-41
Boxing Day: Partly cloudy, 23-30
Saturday: Mostly sunny, 16-28