Swimmers, sunscreen and a towel will be needed this Christmas in Perth as a hot air mass pushes toward the coast bringing temperatures close to 40 degrees. A high pressure system will pass to the south of the country and drive hot easterly winds towards the west coast, which will drag a hot air mass through the state from the interior. Temperatures will remain hot with skies clearing in Perth over the next few days leading up to Christmas. The mercury will climb to the the high 30s for Christmas day and Boxing day, similar to the Christmas period in 2010. In the days following Christmas, temperatures will remain in the mid-thirties before the next front arrives towards the end of the month. This front should bring slightly cooler temperatures for New Years celebrations.