How hot will it be this week?
By Peter Vincent for Daily Mail Australia and Duncan Evans for NCA Newswire
02:37 18 September 2023, updated 06:42 18 September 2023
A heatwave across Australia is expected to break September temperature records and hit millions of Australians through Wednesday.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a “severe heatwave” warning for the NSW south coast, warning temperatures in the low to mid-30s will persist until mid-week.
“These temperatures are about 10 to 15 degrees above average and persist for an unusually long time for this time of year,” the office stated.
The bureau believes the “unseasonable” September heat is likely to break records for the highest number of days in a row above 30C until a cold front later on Wednesday eases conditions.
The heat is affecting South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales, and the wave is expected to hit Brisbane on Thursday.
Temperatures in Sydney are expected to reach 33°C on Tuesday and 34°C on Wednesday.
In Australia’s largest city, thousands have flocked to the beaches since Saturday, and despite the unusually cold water, enjoying the early sunshine continues on Monday.
Sea temperatures ranged between 17 and 18 degrees, which is below average despite the hot air temperature.
The bureau expects the maximum temperature to reach 34 degrees Celsius in Brisbane on Thursday.
Health officials warn that children and the elderly face severe health risks from the heat.
NSW Health Protection Executive Director Jeremy McNulty said people should reduce exposure to heat and reduce their physical activity outdoors in the next few days.
“Don’t wait until you feel thirsty before drinking water,” he said.
“It is best to try to avoid the heat of the day by staying indoors and closing the curtains early.
“If you don’t have air conditioning, using a fan or dampening your skin with a sponge, spray, or water-soaked towel can help keep you cool.”
Exposure to heat can cause serious illness, hospitalization, and even death.
Multiple bushfires also broke out across Queensland in the dry weather.
Fires broke out near Bundaberg, Townsville and the Sunshine Coast over the weekend.
Residents of the regional town of Miles, about 200 kilometers west of Toowoomba in Queensland, have been warned to prepare to leave their properties after a fire broke out in Ayton Road on Saturday.
The “fast-moving” fire has moved towards Pine Ridge Road, prompting authorities to issue a “prepare to leave” warning at 1.38pm on Saturday.
(tags for translation) Sydney
