Sydney has experienced its hottest August day in seven years, as a surge of warm and windy weather sweeps across New South Wales (NSW).
On Wednesday, temperatures soared to a high of 28.1°C, surpassing the previous record of 27.5°C set on August 30, 2023. This spike in temperature is a stark contrast to the average August temperature of 17.9°C and falls short of the record high of 31.3°C set in 1995.
Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), noted that the city is seeing “very warm, very windy” conditions that contribute to elevated fire risks.
The extreme weather has led to a high fire danger rating for Sydney and the Illawarra, with moderate ratings across the rest of NSW.
Victoria faces severe winds and power outages as wild weather continues to impact the state.Hines remarked that these conditions are “quite unusual for this time of year,” emphasizing the increased risk of fires despite the season not traditionally being high for fire activity.
Victoria is also grappling with severe weather, with Melbourne experiencing gusts exceeding 80 km/h overnight. This has led to power outages for over 10,000 residents and significant damage to buildings and trees.
The BoM has issued a severe weather warning for the state, forecasting damaging winds of 50-60 km/h, with peak gusts around 100 km/h. Coastal areas, including Melbourne, are expected to see winds of 60-70 km/h and possible gusts up to 110 km/h.
Victoria’s SES reported nearly 500 calls for assistance, primarily due to fallen trees and building damage. As the weather system progresses, residents are advised to secure outdoor furniture and take precautions against hazardous conditions.
The unusual warmth and strong winds across southeastern Australia are causing significant concerns for fire danger and severe weather impacts, highlighting the need for preparedness and vigilance.