Heatwave conditions set to sweep Sydney as autumn kicks off

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued to parts of central NSW and the central coast this afternoon as temperatures begin to cool after a sweltering last summer day.

Circus performer Jessica Mews underwater at Shelly Beach in Manly. Picture: Tim Hunter

Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued to parts of central NSW this afternoon as temperatures begin to cool after a sweltering last summer day.

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has warned that parts of Western Sydney, Dubbo, Orange and Cobar could be hit with damaging winds, large hail and heavy rainfall as a severe thunderstorm sweeps across NSW.

Gosford and other places along the central coast have also been given a severe thunderstorm warning, with the BOM urging residents in affected areas to monitor their website for more updates.

It comes after soaring temperatures hit NSW today, with many cities and suburbs reaching up to the high 30s.
Thankfully, cooler temperatures are on the horizon with cloudy days and showers predicted for the weekend and into next week.

Sydney is set to remain in the mid to high 20s over the weekend and early next week, while suburbs like Penrith and Parramatta are expected to hit the low 30s to high 20s over the next few days.

Friday morning: Set to swelter

Sydney is set to swelter through severe heatwave conditions on the eve of autumn, with temperatures forecast to rise above 30C up until Friday.

Hot air moving across the country is forecast to keep temperatures above 30C across parts of NSW for the next two days, forcing officials to issue severe heatwave weather warnings for several parts of the state.

The mercury in Penrith, Campbelltown, Camden and Richmond is expected to rise above 30C up until Friday, with Thursday tipped to be the hottest day of the week at 40C.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe heatwave warnings for the Mid North Coast, Hunter, South Coast, Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and Upper Western Districts.

“Maximum temperatures in the high 30s to low 40s, with overnight minimum temperatures in the high teens to mid-20s,” BOM said.

Jessica Mews likes to head to the beach when temperatures get high. Picture: Tim Hunter

She prefers Sydney’s beaches over the pool. Picture: Tim Hunter

“Severe heatwave conditions developing by the mid week, then easing into the weekend. Locations likely to be impacted include Batemans Bay, Gloucester, Jindabyne, Scone and Yass.”

High fire danger ratings have also been issued in the South Western, Northern Riverina, Lower Central West Plains, Upper Central West Plains and North Western.

Victoria, South Australia and NSW will cop severe heatwave conditions this week. Picture: Weatherzone

“The map above shows that surface air temperatures could reach around 44 to 45ºC in northwest Vic and nearby areas of NSW and SA on Wednesday afternoon,” reported website Weatherzone.

“The combination of hot, dry and windy weather, in addition to plenty of dry vegetation, will create Extreme to Catastrophic fire danger ratings in the western half of Vic on Wednesday.

“Extreme fire danger will also extend into parts of eastern SA and southwest NSW.”

A severe heatwave warning has been put in place across many parts of NSW.

NSW will swelter through extreme heatwave conditions on Thursday. Picture: BOM

Thousands of people are expected to flock to Sydney’s beaches to find relief from the soaring temperatures.

Among them is 27-year-old circus performer Jessica Mews, who is “a little bit terrified” of the upcoming heatwave.

“The heat can be quite overwhelming but it’s mainly the humidity. Fortunately as a circus performer we rehearse at night so I’m very lucky we escape a bit of the heat,” she said.

Originally from Perth, Ms Mews regularly escapes the heat by swimming at her favourite spot, Parsley Beach.

“I definitely prefer the beach over any pool day as I love being able to snorkel, surf or paddle board, but if it’s above 35 degrees I’m definitely staying inside”.

Sydneysiders will breathe a sigh of relief next week, when temperatures are expected to drop to the low 20s.

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