Relief in sight as ‘unseasonable’ heatwave grips East Coast

Australia’s east coast has suffered through a weekend of scorching temperatures, and New South Wales is expected to feel the brunt of it today.

Temperatures are set to climb above 40C in western Sydney, but relief is in sight for the
“unseasonable” heatwave.

Milder temperatures are forecast for the days ahead.

It comes after hundreds of firefighters worked to get blazes under control across Victoria and New South Wales.

Their efforts have paid off as the extreme fire risk subsides.

Bushfires along Victoria’s south coast are now on advice level, while a blaze south of Canberra has also been contained.

Total fire bans have been lifted in Victoria and South Australia, however a high fire rating remains for much of New South Wales.

Weather service Weatherzone says a heat trough will move eastwards and affect New South Wales today bringing extreme temperatures for parts of the state’s east, including the Sydney area.

The trough has directed a hot airmass across Australia’s east coast this weekend, creating hot, cry and windy conditions.

This past summer, though hot, was quite wet, with the nationally averaged rainfall being 26 per cent greater than the average between 1961 and 1990, particularly in the north, Weatherzone said.

Cooler conditions are expected to move over South Australia and Victoria today, with Melbourne expected to reach a high of 21C and Adelaide 27C.

Queensland is also bracing for a hot day today, with some parts of the state hitting 34C.