Hey, Sydneysiders! Get ready for one last blast of heat before we bid adieu to 2024.
On Friday, the mercury is expected to soar to 37 degrees in the city, with some areas in the west reaching a scorching 41 degrees.
Heatwave Conditions Return
Temperatures will match last week’s heatwave, with Bondi expected to reach 34 degrees, Penrith hitting 41 degrees, Liverpool sizzling at 40 degrees, and Parramatta reaching 39 degrees. And if you were planning a bushwalk or picnic, think again – a total fire ban will be in place for the Sydney and Hunter regions, as well as parts of northern NSW.
Fishing for a Cooler Day
Braylin Lobegeir and his uncle Ben Core might be enjoying the sunshine while fishing under the Yarramundi Bridge on the Nepean River, but the rest of us will be looking for ways to stay cool.
The Risk is Real: Fire Danger Ratings
“The city might be in for its hottest day this season, but it’s just another hot day for the western suburbs,” says Helen Reid from the Bureau of Meteorology. And with that heat comes a heightened risk of bushfires. The Rural Fire Service has announced total fire bans for several regions, including Greater Sydney, the Greater Hunter, Northern Slopes, and North Western NSW.
The Forecast: Hot, Windy, and Dry
According to the RFS, Friday will be the peak day for fire danger, with windy and dry conditions creating the perfect storm for bushfires. Inspector Ben Shepherd warns that the risk will remain high until Saturday, before easing off on Monday. And with successive heatwaves drying out the landscape, the fire risk is only increasing.
A Brief Reprieve: Cooler Temperatures Ahead
But don’t worry, there’s some relief in sight! A high-pressure system will bring cooler, more stable temperatures to the city in the final days of 2024. Reid predicts a couple of days of cooler weather, with temperatures easing back down.
New Year’s Eve: Stormy Skies Ahead?
And what about New Year’s Eve? Will Sydney’s celebrations be dampened by rain? The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a potential thunderstorm could roll in, bringing a chance of showers and storms in the afternoon or evening. But don’t worry, it won’t be a total washout – New Year’s Eve is still expected to be a warm one, with temperatures peaking at 29 degrees in the CBD and 35 degrees in the western suburbs.
Bushfire Crisis in Victoria
Meanwhile, in Victoria, a raging bushfire in the Grampians has forced nearby residents to evacuate. Total fire bans are in place for the state, with fire danger ratings extreme for all regions except East Gippsland.
Stay safe, Sydney!