As Australians across the nation prepare to commemorate Anzac Day, a day of remembrance and reflection, many are also casting a wary eye on the skies. The weather, as unpredictable as ever, has a significant role to play in the day’s events, from dawn services to marches and community gatherings.
With the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) providing insights into what we might expect, let’s delve into the forecast for each state and territory, so you can plan your Anzac Day with confidence.
The BoM has indicated that a cold front moving east from Western Australia later in the week is likely to bring a change in weather conditions for the southern states on Anzac Day. While many enjoyed sunny skies over the Easter holiday, the next public holiday may not be as clear-cut.
Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore from the BoM has highlighted the uncertainty in the long-term modelling, making it difficult to predict exactly when and where the rain will hit. However, for those in Adelaide and Melbourne, it’s advisable to prepare for potentially wet dawn services.
In Melbourne, the warm spell is set to end, with temperatures returning to more typical levels. ‘After all this warm weather in Melbourne, they are probably going to see temperatures back to more normal temperatures… winter is just weeks away,’ Narramore said. The city can expect cool showers from Friday morning or afternoon, with a brief respite on Saturday before more showers are likely on Sunday into Monday. Temperatures are expected to hover around 18 or 19 degrees Celsius.
Sydney, on the other hand, may experience temperatures in the mid-20s with the possibility of a few showers on Friday. More significant showers are likely on Sunday, so those attending weekend Anzac events should keep an umbrella handy.
Brisbane is forecast to have scattered showers on Friday and Saturday, but conditions should clear by Sunday, with temperatures remaining in the mid-20s.
Adelaide might see rain on Friday, with temperatures in the low 20s, before clearing for most of the weekend, allowing for Anzac Day commemorations to proceed with fewer weather disruptions.
Canberra is expected to have early fog on Friday, clearing to a fine day with the possibility of evening showers. More showers could arrive late in the weekend, so plan accordingly for any outdoor activities.
Perth residents can look forward to rain on Wednesday and into Thursday before conditions clear up for a sunny Anzac Day and weekend, with temperatures in the mid-20s.
Hobart is set for a showery Friday and a cool weekend, with temperatures around 16 and 17 degrees Celsius.
Lastly, Darwin will mostly be dry with the chance of a tropical storm, and temperatures will be in the low 30s.
Weatherzone meteorologist Maryam Al-ansari warns that not only is heavy rain and thunderstorms expected on Anzac Day for Melbourne, but a stronger front is likely to follow a day or so later, which could see rain through to Monday and Tuesday. ‘The models aren’t showing a consistent story, but we do have two models showing that it [the front] could be potentially very unstable, bringing thunderstorms with very heavy rainfall and the possibility of hail, but it is too far out to say anything distinctive,’ Al-ansari told Yahoo News.
With Anzac Day just around the corner and weather conditions still evolving, it’s a good idea to stay updated with the latest forecasts and plan ahead to mark the day with the respect it deserves—rain or shine.
What are your plans for this Anzac Day? Any go-to tips for staying comfortable outdoors in shifting weather conditions? Let us know in the comment section below.
Also read: The holiday scheme that could cost you this Anzac Day—here’s what you can do
