What we learned today, Saturday 9 December
And with that, we are going to put the blog to bed. Before we go, let’s recap the big headlines:
People in New South Wales sweltered through a heatwave on Saturday, as a cool change brought relief to southern states.
Sydney airport reached 43.5C at 1.01pm, which is a December record. The NSW ambulance service received hundreds of extra calls. A southerly change was expected to sweep through Sydney between 6pm and 8pm and cool things down.
The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, flagged plans to return immigration to what he believes is a sustainable level after Covid.
A man was in a serious condition after being bitten by a shark near Gladstone in Queensland.
And tennis showman Nick Kyrgios confirmed he will miss the 2024 Australian Open due to injury.
Thank you for spending part of your day with us. We will be back tomorrow to do it all again.
Updated
Sydney airport reaches record high temperature
A little bit more context on the temperatures in Sydney today …
Sydney airport recorded 43.5C at 1.01pm. That’s a December record, beating 43.2C, set in 1994.
Records go back to 1929 at that location, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
Sydney’s 40.0C at Observatory Hill was toasty but not so close to challenging the December record of 42.2C set in 1957.
Updated
There are now 85 bushfires burning across New South Wales, up from 71 at 1pm.
As at 4pm there are 85 fires burning in NSW, 38 of which are yet to be contained. With hot north-westerly winds driving temperatures up across most of the state, our crews are facing challenging conditions. A big thank you to all our members working on days like this. pic.twitter.com/a6eDvwMN11
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 9, 2023
Updated
Severe storm warning issued for parts of NSW
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of the New South Wales south coast and Snowy Mountains:
🌩️ Severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of the South Coast and Snowy Mountains, including #Bombala and #Eden. Damaging wind gusts are likely and large hailstones are possible.
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) December 9, 2023
See https://t.co/YZRDX1w8PE for more information. pic.twitter.com/50wfTlXCFX
Updated
Hello everyone, this is Cait Kelly – I will be with you for the rest of this Saturday.
Let’s get into it!
NSW ambulance receives hundreds of extra calls amid heatwave
The New South Wales ambulance service is feeling the impact of today’s heatwave, with a 20% increase in calls compared to a normal summer’s day.
The chief superintendent, Mark Gibbs, told reporters on Saturday afternoon that the figure equates to approximately 500 extra calls.
He said resources were meeting the demand.
Particular areas of concern for the service were dance events at Sydney Olympic Park, where the mercury hit 42.5C at 3pm, and the safety of vulnerable people.
“The vulnerable people of the community are your elderly neighbours, elderly family, or even those that may be not used to being in an area with heat or you may know they don’t have air-conditioning or any cooling at home,” he said.
Updated
Cyclone Jasper swings toward Queensland coast
The Bureau of Meteorology in Queensland has shared its latest track map of Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
Jasper, more than 1,000km east of Cairns, is currently category 4 but will weaken significantly as it heads south-west towards mainland Australia.
🌀Latest track map for Severe Tropical Cyclone Jasper: located around 1100 km east of Cairns at category 4, moving slowly southwest, forecast to weaken over the next two days as it turns west towards the #Qld coast. Details and updates: https://t.co/FBmpsInT9o #CycloneJasper pic.twitter.com/VzaPxplpT3
— Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland (@BOM_Qld) December 9, 2023
Updated
Southerly change expected to sweep through Sydney between between 6pm and 8pm
It might be scorching in greater Sydney right now, but a temperature drop of at least 10C is expected later when a southerly change sweeps into the region.
We reported earlier that the cool change will bring damaging, gusty winds to parts of Sydney and the south coast. The AAP now reports that the Bureau of Meteorology expects the change to arrive between 6pm and 8pm.
The site of today’s Epik music festival, which is expected to draw 20,000 revellers to Sydney’s Olympic Park, is currently sitting at a temperature of 42.5C.
Updated
Australia must respond to Biden’s climate Inflation Reduction Act, Greens say
The Greens are calling on the Labor government to use next week’s mid-year economic forecast to outline a response to the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
A dramatic ramp up in investment in the energy transition is stimulating the US economy, said the leader of the Greens, Adam Bandt, and Senator Penny Allman-Payne, who highlighted that some 170,000 jobs have been created, $110bn in private investment attained, and over 140 new plants built to make solar and battery storage.
They warned that although welcome, the IRA diverts critical funding from Australia’s green energy industry.
Bandt said:
Australia can become a renewable superpower, but if we don’t act soon to transition our industries away from dirty fossil fuels, we risk getting left behind as the rest of the world moves on.
The Inflation Reduction Act shows what’s possible when a country seeks to let loose investment in clean energy. Yet Labor is spending much of its efforts backing gas expansion – a dirty, polluting industry of the past that is fuelling the climate crisis and will leave workers stranded.
Labor must use MYEFO to respond to Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act with a plan that not only keeps us competitive with other nations seeking green investment, but that stops using public money to expand coal and gas.
Updated
23C temperature difference between Sydney and Melbourne
In Melbourne, meanwhile, the rain is pouring. The roads are treacherous, according to the Victorian Storm Chasers. Stay safe, everyone – no matter whether you’re in the heat or in the deluge.
Earlier today, my colleague Peter Hannam tweeted that there was a 23C temperature difference between Sydney and Melbourne.
Heavy rain affecting much of the Metro area and there’s plenty more to come going by the radar! It’s fair to say it’s very treacherous on the roads so slow down and allow more time to stop. If you rush chances are you’ll regret! #Melbourne #melbweather #melbourneweather pic.twitter.com/yi4umI3OsG
— Victorian Storm Chasers (@VicStormChasers) December 9, 2023
Sydney touched 40C, before easing back… forecast looks to be spot on (unless it heats up again). Huge 23C temperature gap with Melbourne, 800km or so, down to the Hume. pic.twitter.com/t3E4TF8d51
— @phannam@mastodon.green (@p_hannam) December 9, 2023
Updated
‘It’s time they brought Julian home’: Assange’s family and supporters lead rally in Marrickville
Supporters of Julian Assange today gathered outside prime minister Anthony Albanese’s electorate office in Marrickville.
The rally was timed to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, with Assange’s brother, Gabriel Shipton, saying the time Assange had spent behind bars was a “disgrace”.
He said in a statement:
Julian, my brother, has now spent a gut-wrenching 1,700 days behind bars. It’s a scandal and a disgrace, not just to our family, but to all Australians who believe in a fair go.
Julian’s only crime was telling the truth, and for that, he continues to be punished. The American leaker has been free since 2017, and you have to wonder, if Julian wasn’t an Aussie, would he be free too? If being Australian means anything to this government, it’s time they brought Julian home.
Greens senator David Shoebridge joined Assange’s father, John Shipton, and supporters despite the extreme heatwave. He tweeted that the group was “making sure [the PM] feels the heat” when it comes to freeing Assange.
Out today with Julian Assange’s Dad John Shipton and supporters making sure PM Albanese feels the heat because of his government’s failure to act to free Julian #FreeAssange pic.twitter.com/aU094Xzb6B
— David Shoebridge (@DavidShoebridge) December 9, 2023
Updated
Nick Kyrgios to miss second consecutive Australian Open through injury
Tennis showman Nick Kyrgios has confirmed he will miss a second consecutive Australian Open through injury after failing to overcome a wrist issue.
The 2022 Wimbledon finalist wasn’t listed in the main draw entry list released on Thursday and had always appeared unlikely to compete in his home slam, reports AAP.
Kyrgios, 28, officially confirmed his absence on Saturday.
Kyrgios said on the subscription website OnlyFans:
Obviously had a really tough year with injury, had that knee surgery and came back a little bit too soon and set me back a little bit, then obviously had some wrist issues.
So this is a very disappointing time for me, but I won’t be able to compete at the 2024 Australian Open … Obviously heartbreaking. I’ve had so many amazing memories there and I just want to really get back to playing at the top of my game and doing it right and I need a little more time.
I was so close to winning a grand slam – I want to make sure that my body is going to have the time it needs to come back, so please bear with me.
Updated
In Sydney, the only places to be right now are in the shade or in the water.
Bondi beach in the city’s eastern suburbs is providing respite from the extreme heat with thousands taking to the ocean as temperatures in parts of greater Sydney reach 43C.
The famous beach was busy by 8am and has only got busier since.
A cool change is expected later in the afternoon.
Updated
Sydney airport reaches 43C at 1pm
Residents in New South Wales are being urged to keep a check on vulnerable friends and neighbours, as temperatures hit above 40C.
The temperature at Sydney airport reached 43C at 1pm.
Badgerys Creek was at 42.6C, Olympics Park recorded 41.4C and Bankstown 41.2C.
Heatwave warnings are current across parts of all mainland states, with high to catastrophic fire danger alerts issued for sections of South Australia, northern Victoria, outback NSW and greater Sydney.
– With AAP
Updated
At lunch, there were 71 bushfires burning across NSW, the RFS said:
At 12pm there are 71 bush and grass fires burning across NSW, 29 not yet contained. With very hot, dry and windy conditions and Total Fire Bans in place, know your risk and what you will do if threatened by fire. Report all unattended fires to 000. https://t.co/GTZ7x31QtH #RFS pic.twitter.com/4FIcKXQDY1
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 9, 2023
Heavy rain coming to South Australia a day after extreme heat
From the heat in New South Wales to severe weather warnings of a different kind in South Australia, where the Bureau of Meteorology has just issued a notice about heavy rainfall in parts of the state.
Heavy rainfall is expected in Lower Eyre Peninsula, Eastern Eyre Peninsula and parts of west coast and NW pastoral districts.
The change in weather comes after extreme heat in the state – yesterday it was in the grip of what the Country Fire Service said was “one of the most significant fire weather days in several years”.
.@BOM_SA has issued a Severe Weather Warning ⚠️ for HEAVY RAINFALL 🌧️ For Lower Eyre Peninsula, Eastern Eyre Peninsula & parts of West Coast & NW Pastoral districts.
— SASES (@SA_SES) December 9, 2023
Issued 11:48am 9 Dec 23
☎️ For emergency storm or flood assistance, call 132 500https://t.co/BuU3rJXFbk pic.twitter.com/2hiGkr7cAo
Updated
Sydney festival-goers urged to hydrate and take precautions in heat
Today’s Epik music festival will draw some 20,000 people to Sydney’s Olympic Park.
Organiser, HSU Events, and authorities have urged festival-goers to hydrate and take precautions, with temperatures at the festival site expected to reach above 40C this afternoon.
New South Wales Health’s Dr Darren Roberts earlier warned of the dangers of overheating at festivals.
Overheating during activities in dangerous heat is a huge risk, and people need to take a break from dancing, seek shade, drink water and cool down to reduce the risk of overheating at festivals.
Foo Fighters and 50 Cent will also be performing at Olympic Park, but their evening shows will likely be more comfortable, heat-wise, given the cool change that is forecast later today.
Updated
Man ‘swam along’ with shark before being bitten in far north Queensland
An update from far north Queensland, where a man was yesterday bitten by a shark.
Paramedics say the man “swam along” with the shark for a while, reports AAP.
The 21-year-old has been airlifted to hospital with “deep puncture wounds” after the shark suddenly bit him on the arm and shoulder as they swam near Clack Island off Cape York.
Queensland ambulance service said the man came across what he believed was a bull shark while diving for sea cucumbers after 12.30pm on Thursday.
“He swam along with it for a little while before it changed behaviour and attacked him,” the Flight Critical Care paramedic, Valerie Hurlbatt, said.
The man was able to get help, applying a tourniquet to stem the bleeding before being transferred to a larger boat who contacted emergency services.
A rescue helicopter left from Cairns for the long journey north, refuelling at Cooktown and flying another hour before landing at remote Clack Island.
QAS said the man was taken to Cairns hospital in a serious but stable condition with “non-life threatening injuries”.
Updated
Sydney’s beaches are packed, with the ocean delivering some cool relief from today’s extreme heat.
It’s not just people who are lapping it up – dogs down at MacKenzies beach in the city’s eastern suburbs are making the most of the ocean, too.
I’m feeling quite envious of them!
A note of interest, MacKenzies is an ephemeral beach and only appears once every few years or so. It’s also one of the area’s only dog beaches.
Updated
It’s official: 2023 is hottest year on record
Penrith in New South Wales has just hit 40.7C – and today’s extreme heat has helped 2023 to become the hottest year on record, says the Climate Council.
“2023 has officially been declared as the hottest year on record, weeks before the year’s end”, tweeted the council.
Earlier, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the heatwave was “a reminder that there just might be something in this climate change stuff”.
BREAKING: 2023 has officially been declared as the hottest year on record, weeks before the year’s end. The broken record comes as a heatwave scorches large swathes of the country, threatening to push temperatures into the 40℃s in Sydney. pic.twitter.com/1811geYT15
— Climate Council (@climatecouncil) December 8, 2023
Updated
Gale warning issued for Sydney and south coast
The Bureau of Meteorology has just issued a gale warning for Sydney and the New South Wales south coast.
Saturday’s extreme heat is expected to give way to a gusty southerly change this afternoon and evening, with Sydney’s enclosed waters, the Sydney coast and Illawarra coast forecast to be affected by damaging winds.
⚠️A strong and gusty southerly change will move along the coast this afternoon and evening, bringing a drop in temperature. Damaging winds are possible for parts of the #Illawarra and #Sydney.
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) December 9, 2023
For more information see the latest warning at https://t.co/kya7KsC9Sa pic.twitter.com/TFKZKlIxiB
Updated
Need a place to cool down? The State Library of New South Wales is open and ready to welcome people in need of a place to rest and recharge away from the sweltering heat outside.
No that's not a mirage ... it's the Library! We're open all weekend if you need a place to cool down, rest up or recharge. We also have 7 free exhibitions to explore. Stay cool Sydney. 😎 #Heatwave
— State Library of NSW (@statelibrarynsw) December 8, 2023
See what's on: https://t.co/DWaTE7IHSF pic.twitter.com/SsWQD0y7vs
Updated
Federal government hails improvement in trade relations with China
The trade minister, Don Farrell, says trade relations with China are on a positive trajectory thanks to the government’s “mature approach to international relations.”
“The removal of duties on Australian barley by China in August was a much-needed shot in the arm for Australian farmers,” he said, after China’s customs agency announced China had imported 314 thousand tonnes of barley from Australia, valued at $139m, since duties were removed in August.
It is the first time in more than three years that Chinese authorities have released official data showing that Australian barley has returned to China, Farrell and the agriculture minister, Murray Watt, said in a joint statement this morning.
Watt said that barley trade with China had returned to “business-as-usual”.
“Better outcomes for farmers mean stronger regional communities and that is a good thing for our country,” he said.
Updated
Alyssa Healy to captain Australia’s all-conquering women’s cricket team
Over to cricket, and Alyssa Healy has been appointed Australia’s new women’s cricket captain across all three formats, replacing Meg Lanning at the helm of the all-conquering team.
Gun wicket-keeper batter Healy filled in for Lanning as captain for extended spells over the past two years, including this year’s Ashes, reports the AAP.
Now the 33-year-old will step into the role full-time after Lanning’s shock international retirement last month.
Allrounder Tahlia McGrath has been named vice-captain.
“I am honoured to accept the role of captain and am grateful for the opportunity to lead our team,” Healy said in a statement.
The decision to appoint Healy and McGrath was ratified at a Cricket Australia (CA) board meeting on Friday.
Updated
Victoria’s Environment Protection Authority is warning of potential contamination of creeks, rivers and beaches after yesterday’s factory fire in Dandenong South. It is urging residents in the area to avoid local waterways.
Due to potential contamination after yesterday's factory fire in Dandenong South please avoid local waterways. We are investigating possible impacts of fire water on local creeks, rivers and beaches. Go to https://t.co/xOnbqTELX8 for more information
— Environment Protection Authority Victoria (@VicGovEPA) December 8, 2023
Updated
It’s already above 37C in Parramatta in New South Wales. The Bureau of Meteorology has released a weather update, forecasting many locations to reach more than 10C above average temperatures.
Warm north-westerly winds are driving the heatwave, which will see temperatures in parts of western Sydney hit 44C.
Hot conditions are set to continue across #NSW today, driven by warm north-westerly winds.
— Bureau of Meteorology, Australia (@BOM_au) December 8, 2023
A Severe Heatwave Warning is current for much of the state, with many locations forecast to reach 8-10+ degrees above average.
Latest: https://t.co/jlOoTZL1iF pic.twitter.com/HMsHjrOSUh
Updated
PM criticises Coalition response to indefinite detention ruling
Back to Anthony Albanese’s press conference, where he was asked about the number of people who pose an unacceptable risk to the community after being released following the high court’s ruling on indefinite immigration detention.
A short time ago, the prime minister said he would “not risk any legal consequences by trying to pre-empt those processes” and that the opposition had “not been prepared to walk 20 metres into a room and read the legal advice”.
I make this point – the high court made the decision. We had to respond to what was the law because governments should not break the law. The former government broke the law when it came to robodebt, with disastrous consequences.
We offered a legal briefing for the Coalition leadership, the home affairs minister, the leader of the opposition, the deputy leader of the opposition, the shadow attorney general, to all see the legal advice that’s very clear and explicit.
We made that available from last Sunday, at the same time as we made the legislation available. The Coalition didn’t see it on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. It’s now Saturday. They have not been prepared to walk 20 metres into a room and read the legal advice.
When speaking about the government’s new migration strategy, he said a change in emphasis from short-term visas to permanent arrangements was important for national security.
Updated
Person remains missing after Melbourne factory fire
One person remains missing after a factory in Melbourne’s south-east, with search efforts hampered by safety concerns.
Firefighters have not yet conducted a primary search of the paint facility in Dandenong South because the structure has not been declared safe, reports AAP.
A building surveyor will complete an inspection before fire crews and police can enter the building.
The first fire crews arrived at the Superior Drive factory shortly after midday on Friday and immediately called for backup.
More than 120 officers and 40 trucks fought the massive blaze for hours before it was brought under control.
Three men had to be hospitalised for upper body injuries but are in a stable condition.
One person was still unaccounted for on Saturday morning, Fire Rescue Victoria confirmed.
Updated
PM says government will scale back migration
Anthony Albanese said the government will scale back migration as part of its new strategy, the details of which will be released in the week ahead.
In a press conference a short time ago, the prime minister said there would be a crackdown on abuses of the migration system that see international students entering Australia without adding to their or the broader skills base.
People are coming here, enrolling in courses that don’t really add substantially to either their skills base or to the national interest here. So, it’s not in the interests of our neighbours, nor is it in the interests of Australia, that there not be a crackdown on this. We’re determined to do that.
He said Covid had affected population figures, which are lower than they were forecast to be before the pandemic.
But what we know is that we need to have a migration system that enables Australia to get the skills that we need, but make sure the system is working in the interests of all Australians.
He said that migration policy needed to address skills shortages, giving permanent visa pathways to those with special skills such as engineering.
The government’s “first priority” would be to train Australians in an attempt to fill the skills gap in the aged care, early childhood, and traditional trades sectors, he said.
Updated
‘Climate change a threat to people’s health as well as to our environment,’ Albanese says amid heatwave
Speaking at a press conference in Sydney, prime minister Anthony Albanese said the current heatwave is “a reminder that there just might be something in this climate change stuff”.
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.
Today, 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 climate change minister Chris Bowen was attending the CoP meeting in Dubai and that 10 members of the coalition were registered to attend.
Updated
Anthony Albanese speaks at a press conference in Sydney
Prime minister Anthony Albanese is holding a press conference in Sydney.
He says the Labor government will next week launch a new migration strategy.
We need to have our migration levels brought to a sustainable level and we will be releasing details of that this week.
Updated
Music festival goers urged to stay cool in extreme heat
New South Wales Health is urging music festival goers to take precautions in the extreme heat on Saturday.
Dr Darren Roberts, medical director of the NSW Poisons Information Centre, said that festival organisers would have special measures in place to cope with temperatures of up to 44C in parts of the state.
Dr Roberts said:
Several music festivals of different styles are taking place this weekend in New South Wales, and very hot weather is predicted. Without the right precautions, people will be putting their health at risk.
Overheating during activities in dangerous heat is a huge risk, and people need to take a break from dancing, seek shade, drink water and cool down to reduce the risk of overheating at festivals.
Festivals will have special measures in place this weekend including chilled water and misting fans to help keep people cool. Everyone attending festivals this weekend should make use of these measures.
He warned that hot environments can increase the risk of harm from some drugs.
Updated
AFP help remove 92 children from exploitation and abuse in Philippines
Australian federal police are part of an international investigatory team that has worked to remove 92 children from exploitation and abuse in the Philippines in 2023.
The interventions are a direct result of the Philippines Internet Crimes Against Children Center’s (PICACC) work to protect children, the AFP said in a statement on Saturday.
Established in 2019, the PICACC is a joint initiative by police forces from the Philippines, Australia, UK and the Netherlands.
As of 5 December, PICACC operations have resulted in 92 victims being removed from harm and 15 alleged facilitators arrested this year. In 2022, 60 victims were removed from harm and nine alleged facilitators were arrested.
Of these, the rescue of 52 victims internationally and the arrest of eight alleged offenders were a direct result of AFP International Command members in the Philippines facilitating and value-adding to referrals from Australian-based investigations. This includes 16 children removed from harm in a single operation in June 2023, the largest recovery of victims since the founding of the PICACC.
Updated
South Australia: heatwave, cold weather and flood warnings
In what is shaping up to be an extraordinary day for weather events in parts of Australia, South Australia is facing concurrent heatwave, cold weather and flood warnings.
The Bureau of Meteorology has active warnings in place for the state, with an initial flood watch in place for the Mount Lofty Ranges, mid-north and Eyre Peninsula.
A severe heatwave warning is in place for the state’s Flinders, north-west Pastoral and north-east Pastoral districts.
It also warns graziers of lower than average temperatures in Mount Lofty Ranges, West Coast, Lower Eyre Peninsula, Eastern Eyre Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, Kangaroo Island and north-west Pastoral forecast districts.
See the bureau’s current SA warnings here.
Updated
As New South Wales residents and emergency services brace themselves for temperatures as high as 44C today, the Rural Fire Service has enforced a total fire ban across large parts of the state. The Greater Sydney, Northern Riverina, Lower Central West Plains, Southern Slopes and Central Ranges areas are affected.
A Total Fire Ban is now in place for the Greater Sydney, Lower Central West Plains, Southern Slopes, Northern Riverina and Central Ranges areas, with forecast very hot, dry and windy conditions. For more information visit the RFS website: https://t.co/R9tDns8ts6 #RFS pic.twitter.com/BoKfERGwrj
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) December 8, 2023
Man in serious condition after shark attack off Queensland's central coast
More news from Queensland, where a man has been taken to hospital after a shark attack off the state’s central coast.
Paramedics were called out to a beach at Seventeen Seventy near Gladstone after 4.30pm AEST on Friday, reports AAP.
They discovered a man in his 20s with a “significant leg injury” from a shark bite, Queensland Ambulance Service said.
He was treated on the beach before being transported to Bundaberg hospital in a serious condition.
Updated
Tropical cyclone looms off Queensland coast
A rescue helicopter is set to evacuate a remote weather station as a tropical cyclone looms off the Queensland coast.
Four scientists will be picked up on Saturday from Willis Island, about 450km off Cairns in the Coral Sea, ahead of Tropical Cyclone Jasper’s expected arrival, reports AAP.
Cyclone Jasper intensified into a category 4 system on Friday with sustained winds of 195km/h and gusts up to 270km/h.
It has the tiny island’s station in its sights as it tracks toward the Queensland coast.
The cyclone looks set to impact landfall between Cooktown and Townsville by mid-next week.
Cyclone Jasper is set to weaken at the weekend, dropping to a category 2 by Monday.
But it is expected to intensify again into a severe tropical cyclone as it approaches the north Queensland coast next week.
A cyclone watch - a warning issued when coastal impact is expected within 24 and 48 hours - could happen as early as Sunday.
Updated
Saturday expected to be hottest day of NSW heatwave
The good news is that a cool change is set to bring relief to the southern states with a maximum of 17C forecast in Adelaide and 19C in Melbourne.
Warnings are still in place further north for Saturday, with the NSW Rural Fire Service issuing total fire bans for five state districts including greater Sydney, reports AAP.
Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the NSW heatwave which is notable for its spread across the state.
Bureau of Meteorology’s Mariam Bradbury told AAP:
That intensity is really coming across the Dividing Ranges, bringing those severe heatwave conditions with them.
She said a sea-breeze will not save coastal areas.
This is not just the Sydney area. All the way up to the Newcastle coast, temperatures are pushing 40 degrees.
Ms Bradbury said the cool change will continue to push up the east coast later in the weekend, but inland areas won’t see much of a reprieve from the high temperatures.
Sydney is going to see a bit of relief going into Sunday with the cool change, but it’s going struggle to penetrate inland.
A top of 27C is forecast for Sydney on Sunday.
Updated
Good morning
I’m Daisy Dumas and I’ll be with you throughout the day. We’re expecting some extreme heat in New South Wales over the course of the day - we’ll keep you up to date with the latest.
Let’s begin with more details about the heatwave. NSW residents are bracing for a summer scorcher with temperatures due to hit the mid-40s and people urged to check on elderly neighbours.
Penrith and Richmond in Sydney’s western suburbs are forecast to reach 44C on Saturday, with 40C expected in the city.
Inland areas will also be hot and windy, with the nation’s capital set to reach 37C.
Health authorities have issued heatwave alerts urging people to avoid the outdoors during the hottest part of the day, to check in on elderly friends and neighbours and to keep pets cool.
Heatwave warnings were in place on Friday across parts of all mainland states, prompting extreme to catastrophic fire danger alerts to be issued for sections of South Australia, northern Victoria and outback NSW.
In SA, temperatures at Coober Pedy and Leigh Creek topped 43C with the mercury at Woomera Aerodrome climbing to 46.4C.
Updated
