Australia’s Christmas weather brings a mix of conditions across the country. Melbourne is set for a cool and windy Christmas, with temperatures possibly below 17C, which could make it the city's fourth coldest Christmas since 1855. Showers are also likely. Sydney expects some rain showers with a high of 23C, while Brisbane will be warm at 34C. Perth faces a scorching day at 41C before cooling to 27C on Boxing Day. Hobart will be the coldest capital city with 15C, and Darwin could get a tropical downpour of up to 50mm, with temperatures around 31C. Natural Hazards Research Australia's chief executive Andrew Gissing warned of extreme heat and fire danger in parts of Western Australia's south-west. "WA folks are facing extreme heat… the strength of the winds and the relatively low humidity is taken into account when calculating those fire danger ratings," he said. He added that long-term drying trends have made conditions worse, increasing bushfire and health risks from smoke. Canberra (27C) and Adelaide (25C) will have fine and mild Christmas days. Meanwhile, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Hobart might experience showers. Australia’s bushfire season has been active with recent losses of homes in New South Wales, Tasmania, and Western Australia. Sadly, firefighters have been lost too, Gissing said. Northern Australia faces heavy rainfall with flood risks. A category-two cyclone in the Indian Ocean may affect the Cocos Islands on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Australians are advised to stay prepared as a mix of cool, wet, and hot, dry weather will shape this festive season.