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Sydney Endures Scorching Heat Before Sudden Cool Change

Sydney Swelters in 42°C Heat Before Temperature Drops Drastically

Sydney sweltered on Tuesday as temperatures soared above 42°C in some parts of the city. The scorching heat, which baked the NSW capital, was quickly followed by a dramatic cool change that saw temperatures plummet almost 20°C in less than two hours.

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Sydney Weather Today: A Record-Breaking Heatwave

By early afternoon, Sydney had already set a blistering pace for the day. The city’s Observatory Hill weather station reached 36°C by 1 pm. However, the hottest temperatures were recorded at Airport, where it peaked at 42.5°C around 1.30 pm. Meanwhile, parts of the western suburbs, such as Penrith, Badgerys Creek, and Bankstown, also hit over 42°C.

Sydney Swelters in 42°C

Figure 1: Visitors to the beach in Penrith experienced temperatures soaring to 42 degrees on Tuesday. Credit: Wolter Peeters.

The Bureau of Meteorology warned of severe heatwave conditions in much of NSW. Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury predicted that Sydney would experience some of the hottest temperatures across the state, with some areas in the central-west, including Dubbo and Forbes, also expected to climb to around 43°C.

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A Sudden Cool Change Arrives

Just after 3.30 pm, Sydney weather took a sharp turn as a southerly buster swept through the city. Temperatures dropped sharply by more than 15°C. The cool change moved swiftly, cooling down the city’s sweltering atmosphere and offering relief from the heat.

At 4 pm, temperatures at Sydney Airport had dropped to a refreshing 24°C, down from the earlier 42.5°C. In Nowra, the temperature plunged from 39°C at 12.20 pm to a cooler 22.6°C by 3 pm. Other regions, including Kiama and Bellambi, experienced similar dramatic drops in temperature, some as much as 16°C within just a few hours.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Sydney

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a severe thunderstorm warning as weather turned more volatile. The southerly buster brought with it powerful winds, gusting up to 100 km/h, and the potential for severe thunderstorms, including hail and heavy rain. These storms, which started to move through the city at around 4 pm, posed risks of flash flooding and damaging winds.

Meteorologist Angus Hines warned that the storm could bring damaging wind gusts, large hail, and torrential rainfall, all of which could lead to flash floods. He also highlighted that strong winds could knock down trees and power lines, creating further hazards for residents.

How Sydney Residents Beat the Heat

As temperatures soared earlier in the day, many sought refuge in the city’s cool spots. Some headed for the beaches, while others found solace in the Blue Mountains’ swimming holes. Despite the intense heat, the city was bracing itself for the expected weather changes.

Preparing for Potential Storms and Power Outages

By the time the storms hit, many in Sydney had already been warned to take precautionary measures. Residents were advised to move their vehicles under cover, secure loose items in their yards, and avoid creeks and storm drains. It was also crucial for people to stay indoors and away from windows due to the risks posed by the severe thunderstorms.

A damaging wind warning was also issued, with wind speeds expected to reach 60 km/h along the coast, with gusts up to 90 km/h possible in some regions. This could cause more power outages in areas already affected by the storms that passed through on Monday night.

Temperature Sydney: A Roller Coaster Ride

The drastic temperature fluctuations illustrated the unpredictability of Sydney weather. Earlier in the day, Sydney’s western suburbs had already recorded temperatures exceeding 42°C, while by the afternoon, parts of the city experienced a rapid cooling, thanks to the southerly buster. The difference between the highest and lowest recorded temperatures in some regions was as high as 18°C in just a few hours.

At Sydney Airport, the temperature had dropped from 42.5°C at 1.30 pm to a more bearable 24°C by 4 pm, offering much-needed relief after a day of extreme heat. This sudden change highlighted just how quickly Sydney weather can shift, leaving residents to adjust rapidly to the shifting conditions.

The Impact of Climate Change on Sydney’s Weather

Experts have noted that the intensity of these heatwaves is linked to climate change, which has led to longer and more intense periods of extreme weather. The Bureau of Meteorology has reported a rise in Australia’s land surface temperature by 1.5°C since 1910, and this warming trend continues to increase the number of extremely hot days.

The rising temperatures across Sydney are an indicator of the wider changes affecting the planet’s climate, with scientists warning that heatwaves will become more frequent and severe in the future.

Looking Ahead: Sydney’s Weather Forecast

While Sydney residents could finally expect relief from the heat, the weather over the next few days may bring further challenges. After today’s southerly buster, which brought the temperature drop, Sydney could see more thunderstorms throughout the week. The Bureau of Meteorology also warned that Sydney and surrounding areas might experience strong winds and more rainfall, potentially causing further disruptions.

As Sydney weather continues to shift from extreme heat to cooler conditions, residents will need to stay informed about potential weather warnings and prepare accordingly.

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