Hot and dangerous conditions hit Australia as heat wave hits with out-of-control fire-threatening properties – it’s hot here, it’s going to get near you today
- Sydney experiences a heat wave in the fall
Australia’s east coast is on the brink of another heatwave-packed day with temperatures well into the 30s across much of the state.
Sydney is heading for a top of 34 on Tuesday after the city recorded its highest temperature in two years on Monday, with a rise of 39 degrees in the CBD.
Maximum temperatures are expected to be around six to twelve degrees above average in the eastern parts of NSW ahead of the mercury
North of the border, Brisbane is also experiencing scorching heat with a top of 33C on Tuesday.
The sweltering conditions in NSW have led to increased bushfire warnings, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting extreme fire danger for the Central Ranges where there is a total fire ban, as well as in the Greater Hunter.
Authorities have stated it is the highest bushfire risk in the state of NSW since the devastating Black Summer bushfires in 2019-2020
Sydneysiders flocked to Bondi Beach on Monday as temperatures soared above 30 degrees
“Hot and dry conditions coupled with fresh and gusty westerly to northwesterly winds increase the fire risk,” the agency said Tuesday.
Isolated thunderstorms are possible in the northeast during the afternoon.
Western Sydney is tipped to hit 36C on Tuesday after rising past 40C on Monday.
“The worst is over after that scorching heat yesterday, but after a steamy night it will still be hot today,” Channel Seven meteorologist Tony Auden told Sunrise.
“Till tomorrow the temperature will drop to 30C in the CBD and to high 20s from Thursday.”
“We do have high wind warnings, a sign that the season is starting to change. Tires with strong wind also increase the risk of fire.’
Firefighters are still battling an out-of-control blaze in the Central West, where embers threatened Hills End properties on Monday before conditions eased overnight.
“There will likely be a prolonged firefighting operation in the coming days,” the National Fire Service said.
The BOM says it’s not uncommon to experience heat waves during early fall.
The agency’s long-term forecast for autumn indicates that much of Australia is likely to be drier and warmer than usual.
BOM forecaster, Sarah Scully, said Wednesday a “much cooler” air mass would move over the state and bring relief.
A burst of heat at the end of the season in NSW on Monday could see Sydney reach 38C
‘The westerly, northwesterly winds are notorious for bringing very hot conditions over eastern NSW, and that’s because the air is brought in from across the interior and it’s very hot and generally dry,’ said Ms Scully.
“In addition, westerly, northwesterly winds prevent or slow sea breezes to bring relief to coastal communities.”
A severe weather warning remains in place for damaging winds in parts of the South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains, Canberra and South West Slopes.
Sydney’s autumn heat wave has seen the highest temperatures in more than two years
The mercury drops slightly to 34 degrees on Tuesday, while temperatures remain around 20 degrees for the rest of the week
