A total fire ban has been enforced across greater Sydney as extreme fire danger intensifies due to a combination of scorching temperatures and strong winds. The unusual weather pattern is part of a broader summer heatwave arriving early across eastern Australia, with meteorological data suggesting that September temperatures in Sydney could break records dating back to the mid-19th century.
Temperatures in the city are on track to match its midsummer average of 26.4C during the first days of the season, marking the warmest start to spring since the Observatory Hill monitoring station opened in 1858. Brisbane is also predicted to experience potentially record-high temperatures for early September.
While the lowlands bake under the early heat, snowfall has been forecast for the southern regions of New South Wales, highlighting the stark climatic contrasts across the state. Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution as the hazardous conditions persist.
Can’t believe we’re hitting summer temps in September. The heat is brutal already!
Is this really a record since 1858? Feels like the weather has been off for years now.