Spring heatwave spreads as wild winds hit another state
Millions of Australian city dwellers will enjoy a spring heatwave that has broken temperature records in three states.
Sydney’s expected high temperature on Wednesday is expected to be 38C, with Newcastle (39C) and Wollongong (36C) also in the firing line.
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines said the warm conditions were caused by a “heat bubble” spreading across central Australia.
Queensland, NSW and South Australia reported their warmest October days on record on Tuesday; The mercury reached 46.1C at Birdsville, 44.8C at Bourke and 45C at Moomba Airport.
Mr Hines said the all-time temperatures were leading to heatwave conditions and high fire danger.
A total fire ban has been declared for Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Upper Central West Plains and North Western regions.
NSW officials warned on Wednesday that hiking trails and remote campsites in regional national parks could be closed “at short notice” if conditions worsen.
The heat is expected to ease across NSW and southern Australia on Thursday, but those in the north won’t be so lucky; Temperatures will remain high on Friday and into the weekend.
It won’t be that hot on Wednesday in Darwin (35C), Canberra (31C), Brisbane (30C) and Melbourne (23C).
Instead, Melburnians and Victorians have been told to brace for devastating winds and the risk of stormy asthma.
Emergency Management Commissioner Tim Wiebusch said damaging winds were expected to reach western Victoria on Wednesday morning and the state’s east by afternoon.
“We’re asking Victorians to be prepared for power outages,” he told reporters.
“This means being mindful of any downed power lines that may be on the ground, and also making sure you charge your mobile devices.”
The Bureau of Meteorology warned that winds of 90km/h to 110km/h were expected to be “widespread” and could gusts reach 120km/h on the South West Coast, the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas and the Bass Coast.
Geb Abbott, from the Victoria State Emergency Service, said there was a “very high chance” of trees or branches falling in severe weather, posing a hazard to roads and property.
He urged drivers to consider alternative routes before setting off or if they must travel.
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