An unusually persistent late summer heatwave has smashed records across New South Wales, Australia. By the middle of this week, daily maximum temperatures had exceeded 26C for more than 25 days in a row in Sydney.
This smashed the previous record of 19 days above 26C, set in March 2014. The highest temperature recorded, 42.2C, in this streak was at Penrith, a suburb in the city’s west.
Sydney, of course, is no stranger to hot weather, but often heatwaves are interrupted by occasional days with cooling sea breezes or fresher air blown in on southerly winds. However, this summer, unusually warm sea surface temperatures have reduced the maritime influence and allowed the heat to continue day after day.
As well as the soaring temperatures, New South Wales experienced its driest February since 1978. On average, Sydney receives about 120mm of rain in February, but this year only 25mm fell. Maximum temperatures close to 30C are forecast to continue over the next few days.
By contrast, the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido was struck by a blizzard on Monday as an intensive low pressure system tracked eastwards. It was reported that 60cm of snow fell in Memuro ski resort, whilst 20cm fell in Sapparo City leading to more than 320 flights and 130 trains being cancelled and 168 schools being closed.
Meanwhile, Italy was battered a deep depression at the weekend, killing five people and damaging homes, infrastructure and communications.
The front triggered intense thunderstorms, strong winds and torrential rain, with heavy snow falling in the north, while the south was hit by rain and a storm surge.
