Perfect weather forecast for Christmas Day after heatwave — but haze could return

Melbourne’s weather is looking festive for Christmas Day — but the haze that blanketed the city last week could be back. Here’s what cricket fans can expect on Boxing Day and beyond.

The haze that blanketed Melbourne last Friday could return on Christmas Day. Picture: Jason Edwards

Victorians have endured a rollercoaster of December temperatures, but at least Christmas will bring welcome respite from last week’s heatwave.

Christmas Day is expected to bring temperate conditions for Melburnians, with senior bureau forecaster Dean Stewart predicting a top of 28C and no rain.

But the haze that shrouded Melbourne late Friday morning could make a return, as out-of-control bushfires continue to rip through Gippsland.

Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Tom Delamotte said the haze patches could carry over as far to the CBD, with westerly winds set to pick up overnight.

Santa prepares for Christmas Day with Torquay surf life savers Meg Davy, Josh Whitty and Jake Campbell. Picture: Alan Barber

“(The haze) could be anywhere … it depends how far the smoke can reach over before a southerly breeze clears it back in the afternoon,” he said.

Bayside residents can expect a sunny Christmas day with mid to high 20Cs, with the mercury in the CBD set to clock 28C.

Temperatures will push up to 31C in Melbourne’s northeast.

And in Mildura, a hot and sunny Christmas will hit 38C.

Mr Delamotte said Melburnians could expect slight drizzle on Boxing Day morning, but assured cricket diehards not to fret, with rain set to dry up before the MCG’s blockbuster Australia vs New Zealand Boxing Day test.

Gretel, 8, and Holly, 11, prepare for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Picture: Jay Town

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“Boxing Day is probably likely to remain dry, with a similar sort of temperature,” he said.

After that, Melbourne’s set to heat up again, with perfect beach weather over the weekend and a forecast high of 37C on Saturday and 40C on Sunday.

Temperatures will hit a high of 41C on Monday, with the chance of a thunderstorm before a cool change sweeps in.