Hot weather to bring in the New Year across Sydney and NSW
Sydneysiders are set to kick off the New Year under an oppressive and sustained heatwave, with temperatures set to reach up to 41C in parts of western Sydney for three days straight.
NSW
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Aussies are set to kick off the New Year with plenty of sunscreen and a cooling swim as an oppressive and sustained heatwave lingers into the New Year across much of the country.
The festive heatwave has just started and it’s only going to get hotter in Sydney, with temperatures expected to reach 40C in the west and 32C in the city on New Year’s Eve.
Temperatures are also expected to soar to as high as 41C in Penrith on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said over the next couple of days, the temperature will steadily increase with no relief for Sydneysiders until the New Year.
“There is a chance of a shower in the afternoon or evening on New Year’s Day in Sydney, with temperatures dropping slightly to 29C,” a BOM spokesman said.
While western Sydney will also experience warm weather, it is regional NSW that will cop a red-hot blast to welcome in 2019.
“The city will be fortunate to have a mild coastal change that will come through, which will bring temperatures down, but parts of regional NSW will still experience scorching temperatures,” the spokesman said.
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The heatwave is caused by a “special” high-pressure system called a blocking system brewing off the east coast which flushed out the humidity, circulating dry hot air across the state.
It comes after Sydney experienced severe storms in the lead-up to Christmas.
“There were two different phases this month. We had severe thunderstorms which ended in hailstones,” the spokesman said.
“But by last weekend the extreme heat was building, and heatwave conditions in western suburbs are expected to continue until the end of the month.”
The Ambulance Service of NSW has issued some safety tips for Aussies especially as the hot weather approaches.
“We are reminding people to take common sense precautions and look after themselves and their family members by avoiding the sun during the hottest hours of the day and to make sure you maintain hydration by drinking plenty of water,” a spokesman said.
“And an important message is never under any circumstances leave your children or pets locked in any way in a motor vehicle.”
Paramedics also want to remind people to take a moment and check on their elderly relatives and neighbours.
“Make sure they are OK and are maintaining hydration but also so they know they have someone to get help from.”
FORECAST
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27
City expected to reach 30C, and 39C in Penrith
Hot and sunny.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28
City 31C, and 41C in Penrith
Hot and mostly sunny.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29
City 33C, 41C in Penrith
Hot and sunny.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30
City 34C, 41C in Penrith
Hot and sunny.
MONDAY-NEW YEAR’S EVE
City 32C, 40C in Penrith
Hot. Partly cloudy. Slight (20%) chance of a shower.
TUESDAY-NEW YEAR’S DAY
City 29C, Penrith 35C
Hot. Partly cloudy. Medium (40%) chance of showers.
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