‘Severe heat’: New South Wales to swelter through last day of summer

Millions of Aussies are set for a scorcher on the last day of summer with super high temps on the cards amid a severe heat warning.

Sydney braces for scorching temperatures, with some suburbs expected to sizzle close to 40 degrees. Picture: Weatherzone

Summer makes its final stand today as Sydney braces for scorching temperatures, with some suburbs expected to sizzle close to 40 degrees.

The heat, trailing from the west across southern Australia, has already fuelled bushfires in Victoria and South Australia before reaching the east coast.

Penrith and Parramatta in Sydney’s west are set to experience 39 and 38 degrees highs, respectively, while coastal areas like Bondi will see a comparatively milder 32 degrees.

The city centre is expected to reach 35 degrees.

Sydney braces for scorching temperatures, with some suburbs expected to sizzle close to 40 degrees. Picture: Weatherzone

Large swathes of New South Wales will not spared either, with the Bureau of Meteorology issuing severe heatwave warnings across the state including the Mid North Coast, Hunter region, and Southern Tablelands.

Temps will be cooler by the coast. Picture: John Feder

Even Canberra anticipates a hot and humid day, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees.

Weatherzone reports temperatures topped 43 degrees on Wednesday in several areas of the Mallee region in Victoria’s northwest, while temps reached 44 degrees in at least two local spots in New South Wales’ far west.

In Victoria, Forest Fire Management Victoria Chris Hardman told Sky News recent heat had created a “really tough period” as bushfires threaten parts of the state.

Mr Hardman said fire warnings have been lifted after a run of temperatures above 40 degrees.

“Yesterday was an incredibly challenging day for people,” Mr Hardman told Sky News Australia.

“Yesterday overnight last night the Bayindeen rocky road fire …has stopped moving.

“It’s not fully contained yet but firefighters have got the upper hand.”

Bayindeen-Rocky Road fire has been burning for over a week. Picture: Forest Fire Management Victoria

A blaze at Dereel, south of Ballarat, started late Wednesday, burning 110 hectares before it was contained.

A fire near Bayindeen, north west of Ballarat, continues to burn after more than a week but it is within containment lines.

Relief for NSW is on the horizon as a cool change is forecasted to sweep in over the weekend, potentially accompanied by thunderstorms.

Across the nation, Perth, Brisbane, and Darwin will breach 30 degrees, while Melbourne, Hobart, and Adelaide will enjoy partly cloudy weather with temperatures in the mid to high 20s.