Rain and clouds expected for New Year’s Eve in Australia

Australians might be well advised to cancel their New Year’s pool parties, and opt for something under cover instead, as forecasters predict rain nearly nationwide.

Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin and Hobart all have a chance of showers on the 31st, while clouds are expected in Adelaide, Melbourne and Canberra. 

Some may find comfort in knowing the first day of the New Year is also expected to be overcast and rainy throughout the country – meaning a well-earned sleep-in following the festivities of the night will be hard to argue against.

Rain and clouds are expected to dampen New Year’s celebrations throughout Australia as the nation welcomes in 2018

While most cities will remain warm, fireworks displays and planned celebrations will likely be affected by adverse weather

While most cities will remain warm, fireworks displays and planned celebrations will likely be affected by adverse weather

The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a 50 per cent chance of rain in Sydney on Sunday, which could spell trouble for those planning to watch the fireworks in the Harbour.   

The Roads and Maritime Services website explains the show itself will proceed unless it is unsafe to do so – meaning at this stage it is unlikely the fireworks will be cancelled due to rain. 

But with no shelter in the queuing or event area, and no pass-outs permitted, those who turn up unprepared will be left feeling soggy and very sorry for themselves. 

Finding a sheltered place to sleep at the end of the night will be crucial, as Sydneysiders are expected to be hit with more rain, and the chance of a thunderstorm.

In Sydney, a 70 per cent chance of showers on January 1 may encourage those weary from the night before to stay in bed

In Sydney, a 70 per cent chance of showers on January 1 may encourage those weary from the night before to stay in bed

The city's iconic fireworks are unlikely to be affected by a 50 per cent chance of showers on New Year's Eve

The city’s iconic fireworks are unlikely to be affected by a 50 per cent chance of showers on New Year’s Eve

In Melbourne, revellers will need to rug up on New Years Eve, with temperatures hitting a minimum of 13 degrees.

Luckily, many of the city’s main events are held indoors, with huge dance parties and clubs with waterfront views expected to play host to many party-goers. 

On New Year’s Day, the mercury will reach up to 23 degrees, but a slight chance of a shower could keep some people indoors. 

In Brisbane, those planning a big night out would be well-advised to pack a poncho or a raincoat, as BOM predicts a high chance of evening showers. 

Warm weather is still expected, with temperatures to hit 30 degrees on New Year’s Eve, but with many of the city’s main events taking place outdoors, the rain could prove more than bothersome.

And while warm temperatures are expected again on New Year’s Day, an 80 per cent chance of rain will give those left weary after a big night out a great excuse to stay in bed. 

Brisbane is expected to see rain in the evening on December 31, and again on January 1 - which could give party-goers a good reason to sleep off the night before

Brisbane is expected to see rain in the evening on December 31, and again on January 1 – which could give party-goers a good reason to sleep off the night before

Those in Western Australia are the only ones to escape the wrath of a rainy New Year’s Eve – with sunshine and warm weather predicted for the last day of 2017.

Fireworks are expected to light up the skies throughout Perth, with barely a cloud in sight to block the view. 

On New Year’s Day, a long night out might best be dealt with through a trip to the beach, as the temperature hits up to 33 degrees. 

In the country’s south, Adelaide will be under a cloud for the night of festivities, which could prove frustrating for those who plan on heading to the River Torrens for fireworks. 

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts temperatures up to 26 on the day, with winds reaching up to 20km/h during the afternoon. 

January 1 will also be marred by clouds, with some light showers expected.

Perth is the only city forcasted to experience sunshine on the last day of 2017 and the first day of 2018 - meaning those who have planned outdoor activities for the festive night have little to worry about

Perth is the only city forcasted to experience sunshine on the last day of 2017 and the first day of 2018 – meaning those who have planned outdoor activities for the festive night have little to worry about

Fireworks launched over Lake Burley Griffin are expected to be the centrepiece of Canberra’s New Year’s celebrations – but clouds could leave some with an obscured view. 

The nation’s capital is expected to be cloudy, but warm on the 31st – with a miniscule chance of rain. 

On New Year’s Day, the mercury will hit up to 29 degrees, but there is a 40 per cent chance of showers. 

In Hobart, many of the yachts sailing in the Sydney to Hobart Boxing Day race will have docked, meaning the population will rise with sailors and fans.   

Fireworks will light the sky over Sullivan’s Cove along the Derwent River – and a sunny day should provide decent viewing for the masses. 

Hobart will be awash with sailors and yacht enthusiasts on New Year's Eve, and a sunny day should give those planning to watch the fireworks a good view

Hobart will be awash with sailors and yacht enthusiasts on New Year’s Eve, and a sunny day should give those planning to watch the fireworks a good view

On January 1, Hobart will likely see rain, and temperatures will drop below 20 degrees

On January 1, Hobart will likely see rain, and temperatures will drop below 20 degrees

A poncho will be necessary packing for those who want to be prepared for anything, as BOM predicts a 20 per cent chance of rain.

On New Year’s Day, the chance of showers will increase to 60 per cent, and the mercury will drop below 20 – great news for anyone looking to turn off the world for a day. 

In Darwin, those expecting a fun night out by the water could be in for some disappointment. 

A chance of showers and a prediction of clouds will dampen the fireworks display at the Darwin Wharf and Harbour. 

But warm weather on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day may see residents overcome their worries – and perhaps their hangovers on January 1 – and party their troubles away. 

A chance of showers and a prediction of clouds will dampen the fireworks display at the Darwin Wharf and Harbour 

A chance of showers and a prediction of clouds will dampen the fireworks display at the Darwin Wharf and Harbour 

But warm weather on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day may see residents overcome their worries - and perhaps their hangovers on January 1 - and party their troubles away 

But warm weather on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day may see residents overcome their worries – and perhaps their hangovers on January 1 – and party their troubles away 



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