The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is warning of severe weather on both coasts that could up-end holiday travel for millions of Australians. A deepening trough is fuelling a ‘catastrophic’ heatwave across south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales, while a separate system is set to unleash thunderstorms stretching from the NSW coast through the Northern Territory.
Temperatures nudged 40 °C in Sydney on Sunday before easing slightly, but Brisbane and Perth are forecast to register 35 °C and 41 °C respectively on Christmas Day. In stark contrast, Melbourne may see a high of just 17 °C – its coldest Christmas in nearly two decades – with the snowline dropping low enough for possible flurries in the Victorian Alps.
Extreme heat can trigger tarmac ‘softening’ and aircraft weight restrictions, potentially forcing baggage off-loads or flight delays. Thunderstorms also raise the risk of ground-handling suspensions and diversions. Mobility managers should build buffer time into trip schedules and remind travellers to monitor airline apps for gate changes.
![Heatwave and Storms Threaten Holiday Travel Plans Across Australia]()
For travellers whose plans suddenly change, keeping documentation up to date is another hurdle. VisaHQ’s Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) lets users verify entry requirements, apply for visas or ETAs online and receive real-time status alerts—helpful when unpredictable weather already has itineraries in flux.
Road travellers face additional hazards: authorities in Queensland have elevated fire-danger ratings, and the NHVR has advised heavy-vehicle operators to factor possible storm-related road closures into route planning.
Health officials urge travellers to stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure during peak heat and watch for severe-weather SMS alerts. Those heading to alpine regions should pack winter gear despite the calendar.
Temperatures nudged 40 °C in Sydney on Sunday before easing slightly, but Brisbane and Perth are forecast to register 35 °C and 41 °C respectively on Christmas Day. In stark contrast, Melbourne may see a high of just 17 °C – its coldest Christmas in nearly two decades – with the snowline dropping low enough for possible flurries in the Victorian Alps.
Extreme heat can trigger tarmac ‘softening’ and aircraft weight restrictions, potentially forcing baggage off-loads or flight delays. Thunderstorms also raise the risk of ground-handling suspensions and diversions. Mobility managers should build buffer time into trip schedules and remind travellers to monitor airline apps for gate changes.
For travellers whose plans suddenly change, keeping documentation up to date is another hurdle. VisaHQ’s Australian portal (https://www.visahq.com/australia/) lets users verify entry requirements, apply for visas or ETAs online and receive real-time status alerts—helpful when unpredictable weather already has itineraries in flux.
Road travellers face additional hazards: authorities in Queensland have elevated fire-danger ratings, and the NHVR has advised heavy-vehicle operators to factor possible storm-related road closures into route planning.
Health officials urge travellers to stay hydrated, limit outdoor exposure during peak heat and watch for severe-weather SMS alerts. Those heading to alpine regions should pack winter gear despite the calendar.
