NSW Heatwave Peaks Amid Bushfires and Approaching Cyclone Jasper

On Saturday, New South Wales (NSW) experienced an intense heatwave with temperatures surpassing 43°C, while bushfires raged across the state.

In Sydney, the temperature at the airport and Badgerys Creek reached 43°C at 1 pm, Sydney Olympic Park peaked at 42.5°C at 3 pm, and Penrith hit 42.9°C by 4 pm.

Relief was anticipated from a cool southerly change expected between 6 pm and 8 pm, which could drop temperatures by at least 10°C.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings for damaging winds and severe thunderstorms, particularly for the south coast and Snowy Mountains, with potential large hailstones.

As of 4 pm, NSW faced 85 bushfires, 21 of which were uncontrolled, prompting total fire bans in various regions, according to the Rural Fire Service.

The extreme heat also affected approximately 100,000 music fans attending events at Sydney Olympic Park, including the Foo Fighters and 50 Cent concert, and the Epik music festival. Organizers urged festival-goers to stay hydrated and take precautions due to temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Dr. Darren Roberts of NSW Health warned about the risks of overheating and advised people to take breaks, seek shade, and drink water to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Saturday was forecasted to be the peak of the NSW heatwave, with temperatures climbing up to 40°C across the state, including coastal areas.

Meanwhile, Cyclone Jasper was brewing off Queensland’s coast, expected to hit between Cooktown and Townsville by mid-next week as a category 2 storm after weakening. The cyclone prompted evacuation efforts for weather station personnel on Willis Island.

South Australia also faced severe weather, with Adelaide expecting significant rainfall. The intense weather follows the EU climate service’s confirmation that 2023 is set to be the hottest year on record. Climate experts warn that continued reliance on fossil fuels will exacerbate extreme heat events and make some regions uninhabitable.