Australia heatwave: Western Sydney faces hottest day since Black Summer
Many Aussie cities are bracing for their hottest days in years, including one urban hotspot that can expect temperatures in the mid-40s.
With a heatwave underway, many Aussie cities are bracing for their hottest days in years, including one densely populated hotspot that can expect temperatures in the mid-40s.
The mercury in western Sydney is forecast to climb to 44C as the heatwave peaks on Saturday, marking the hottest temperature Australia’s most populous city has faced since the Black Summer bushfires.
Night-time isn’t forecast to bring reprieve, with the minimum overnight temperature still a balmy 23C through the weekend — nearly 6C higher than the average for summer.
Sydney’s hottest suburbs during heatwaves are almost always low-lying ones like Penrith and Richmond, which sit on the Hawkesbury-Nepean flood plain at the foot of the Blue Mountains.
That low-lying plain has a tendency to trap heat and, paired with dense residential development — think small backyards, clusters of dark-coloured roofs and lots of concrete — turn the suburbs into potentially dangerous urban heat islands.
The last time western Sydney saw temperatures of 44C or higher was during the Black Summer of 2019/2020.
On January 4, 2020, the temperature in Penrith in the city’s outer west reached an almost unbelievable 48.9C, which is still the hottest temperature ever recorded in an Australian capital city.
Sydney CBD is also expected to be hot, with a forecast maximum temperature of 38C on Saturday, though some meteorologist say the mercury could top 40C.
Elsewhere in Australia, residents in every mainland state and territory have been warned of heatwave conditions, with widespread temperatures in the high-30s to mid-40s.
The BOM urged all those impacted by heatwave conditions this week to “take the necessary precautions” including staying indoors when possible and staying hydrated.
Twin high pressure systems off Australia’s coasts are driving the heat, which is expected to last into next week, according to Weatherzone.
The systems are also influencing Tropical Cyclone Jasper up north, pushing the system towards Queensland after it was recently upgraded to severe strength.
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