Christmas Scorcher

Extremely hot and dry weather conditions are hitting Australia in the lead-up to Christmas Day with a number of bushfires reported and fire bans imposed in several states. In contrast, the New Zealand forecast is for mainly fine conditions throughout the country in the next few days.
State warned of black Christmas - The Daily Telegraph, Sydney
Extreme weather conditions bring total fire bans - ABC News Online
Australian Weather and Climate
New Zealand Weather as reported in The New Zealand Herald