Sydney has fallen just short of recording its hottest October temperature as much of the country sweltered and damaging winds whipped through southern states.
Parts of western Victoria were hit by wind gusts of 120km/h, with the Geelong Cup horse race postponed because of the extreme conditions.
Despite parts of the NSW capital flirting with 40C the official temperature at Observatory Hill maxed out at 37C, short of the 38.2C mark set in 2004.
Top news
Palestinians in Gaza with Australian visas remain trapped as Israel keeps borders closed
Trump’s nomination of Paul Ingrassia loses Republican support following racist text messages
British woman facing execution in Bali for drug smuggling to be repatriated
Mark Nawaqanitawase becomes dual international as Kangaroos name first Ashes Test team
‘A perfect coincidence’: rare red lightning captured in New Zealand skies
In pictures
John-Bryan “JB” Jarrett lives in Texas with devastating brain injuries after overdosing on fentanyl. Despite the uncertainty of his prognosis, his mother, Jessica, is by his side 24/7. This picture essay follows a day in their lives.
What they said …
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“It was the wrong decision. We should have looked harder for a commercial flight.” – Mike Bush
Victoria police’s chief commissioner has acknowledged a lapse in judgment after the Herald Sun today revealed he travelled to Hobart using the Victoria police air wing on Monday afternoon to attend the annual Australian and New Zealand Police Commissioners Forum.
Full Story
Will Barnaby Joyce jump to One Nation?
The former deputy prime minister has confirmed his intention to quit the Nationals, further fuelling suspicions he could join Pauline Hanson at the far right of the parliament. It’s not the first time the member for New England has made headlines, but the move raises questions about the direction of the Coalition – particularly when it comes to climate policy.
Guardian Australia political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy speaks to Nour Haydar about the Coalition’s looming crisis over net zero.
Before bed read
This season has seen underwhelming results from stars such as Margot Robbie, Dwayne Johnson, Julia Roberts and Keanu Reeves, writes Jesse Hassenger – so why are Hollywood A-listers flopping at the box office?
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: NESS. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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