December 27th 2024.
Starting today and lasting through the weekend, a severe heatwave is expected to sweep through New South Wales and Queensland, posing a significant threat of fires. The situation is especially dire for Greater Sydney and its surrounding areas, which are currently under a total fire ban due to over 30 bushfires and grassfires burning in the region.
As the afternoon progresses, the mercury continues to rise, with temperatures reaching a scorching 38.8 degrees at Sydney Airport by 2:30 pm. Other areas like Bankstown, Camden, and Penrith are also experiencing sweltering heat, with temperatures surpassing 37 degrees. In light of these conditions, the Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning that eastern NSW and Queensland will be heavily impacted by the extreme heat in the coming days.
According to the BoM, the combination of high temperatures and gusty winds could create a dangerous situation for potential fires. The NSW Rural Fire Service has already reported about 32 active bush and grassfires throughout the state, with seven of them still uncontained. It's believed that some of these fires may have been sparked by lightning strikes, while others are burning near suburban areas like Hornsby and Liverpool.
The danger levels are at an all-time high for Greater Sydney, the Greater Hunter region, and north-western NSW. Additionally, there is a possibility of severe thunderstorms hitting NSW this afternoon, followed by a southerly buster later in the day. Meanwhile, Queensland is also bracing for extreme heat, with temperatures expected to soar into the high 30s and mid-40s from Cape York down to the south-east.
Overnight temperatures are also predicted to remain high, reaching the late 20s in some areas. The BoM has issued a warning for several regions, including Brisbane, Biloela, Gympie, Ipswich, Julia Creek, Longreach, Oakey, Stanthorpe, Taroom, and Winton, to take precautions against the intense heat.
As Victoria and South Australia continue to battle bushfires, a cool change has brought relief to these states. However, the situation remains tense in NSW and Queensland, and the weather forecast for Victoria shows scattered showers and moderate temperatures.
To stay updated on the latest news, sport, politics, and weather, make sure to download the 9News app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play. With this app, you can receive timely notifications straight to your smartphone, keeping you informed and prepared for any situation.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
