Recent warm weather has given Canberrans a taste of summer and the main course is tipped to be hotter and drier than average.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
As the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts a sizzling week for the capital, a new seasonal outlook warns of increased fire danger for the region.
Bureau forecaster Katarina Kovacevic said Canberra's summer has "strong odds" of being warmer than usual.
"The average December temperature for maximums in Canberra is about 26 so having a few days in a row this week of 31 to 32 is significantly warmer than average," she said.
"What is affecting the warm weather is that over the next couple of days we will see a slow moving trough over inland parts of NSW and ahead of that we are experiencing warm temperatures from inland parts of the continent."
After a top of 29 degrees on Thursday, the mercury is expected to hit 31 on Friday and 28 on Saturday before ramping up to 32 degrees on Sunday and Monday.
Ms Kovacevic said the accuracy of forecasts drops significantly after those days but suspects next week's tops to stay between 26 and 29 degrees.
Those intending to soften the scorching blow with a refreshing swim are urged to keep up their sun protection as UV-rays are tipped to be extreme over the coming days.
But while the days will be warmer than usual for this time of year, Ms Kovacevic said overnight temperatures this week will stay around December's average minimum of 11 degrees.
"This is with the exception of Monday night, which could reach 17 degrees and that is a standout for a December night in terms of our climate record," she said.
"The highest minimum temperature we have ever had in December is 24 degrees all the way back in 1940. The warmest December day reached 39 degrees in 1994."
Summer is not only expected to be warmer than usual but also drier, which follows a notably wet winter and spring.
The wet weather caused some fresh growth in Canberra which means there will likely be extra fuel for bushfire with the arrival of the drier, hotter conditions.
The Bushfire and Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre warned of the higher bushfire risk in its Southern Australia Seasonal Bushfire Outlook released on Thursday.
"The ACT is warning of increased grass fire danger, particularly as the fire season progresses," the outlook read.
Information on protecting your home from a bushfire can be found on the ACT Emergency Services' bushfire survival plan .
Friday: Min 11, Max 31. Mostly sunny morning. Slight (30%) chance of a shower in the afternoon and evening.
Saturday: Min 11, Max 28. Partly cloudy.
Sunday: Min 11, Max 32. Partly cloudy.
Monday: Min 17, Max 32. Partly cloudy. Medium (60%) chance of showers with the chance of a thunderstorm.
Tuesday: Min 13, Max 29. Partly cloudy. Medium (50%) chance of showers.
Wednesday: Min 11, Max 26. Partly cloudy. Slight (20%) chance of a shower, most likely later in the day.
