Anthony Albanese’s climate warning as temperature soar

As states endure heatwave conditions and mercury soars to 40 degrees in some parts, the PM quipped: ‘There might just be something in this climate change stuff’.

Temperatures have hit heatwave conditions for much of NSW and other parts of the country. Picture: Supplied.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has warned of the dangers of climate change as states brace for heatwave conditions today with the mercury in parts of the country to exceed 40 degrees.

“Today in Sydney, and in other parts of the east coast, it’s a reminder that there just might be something in this climate change stuff,” the Prime Minister said.

“We have experienced 2023 as the hottest year on record.

“We continue to break these records, and that’s why my government’s determined to act on climate change.

“With the high heat levels, I do say that it’s a time to ensure that we look after each other and stay safe.

“Climate change is a threat to people’s health as well as to our environment and we need to acknowledge there’s a need for a comprehensive response,” he said.

Multiple states are on high alert for heatwave conditions, with temperatures in parts of Sydney not dropping below 30 degrees overnight.

A BOM spokesman said hot conditions were expected to continue across the state of NSW today, with a shift to cooler temperatures along the coastline in the evening.

“Daytime temperatures are forecast to reach up to 8 to 10 degrees above average across broad areas of the state, with areas about Sydney potentially reaching up to 14 degrees above average,” the spokesman said.

“Hunter, Sydney, and Illawarra can anticipate a swift temperature surge this morning, soaring into the 30s by midday and peaking in the high 30s or low 40s during the afternoon.

“Coastal areas are likely to feel the impact in the form of a brisk southerly buster, bringing not only a rapid and substantial temperature drop but also potentially accompanied by strong, gusty winds.

“The exact intensity of the buster is uncertain, but there is a possibility of damaging winds developing along the advancing change,” the spokesman said.

The highest maximum minimum temperatures recorded overnight in NSW included 31.5 degrees at Ivanhoe, 30 degrees at White Cliffs, 31.1 degrees at Wilcannia, 28.6 degrees at Griffith.

A severe heatwave warning is current for much of the state and is expected to continue for the coming days. For information on health impacts and strategies during a heatwave, see the NSW Health website.

The BOM advised people to seek a place to keep cool, such as your home, a library, community centre or shopping centre, close windows and draw blinds, curtains or awnings early in the day to keep the heat out of your home.

If available, use fans or airconditioners to keep cool.

From this weekend and into early next week, South Australia could also be hit with a raft of dangerous weather, including heavy rain, severe thunderstorms and damaging winds.

There is a total fire ban in place today for Greater Sydney, Lower Central West Plains, Southern Slopes, Northern Riverina and the Central Ranges.

The Rural Fire Service was warning of very hot, dry & windy conditions forecast in parts of NSW.

RFS spokesman Greg Allan said there were 65 bush and grass fires burning in the state, with 27 yet to be contained.

“All fires at advice level with no immediate threat to properties,” he said on Saturday morning.

He said that people should call triple-0 immediately if they see a fire with no trucks present.