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Sydneysiders are being told to brace for more hot weather, with temperatures expected to soar to the mid-thirties this week.
Swarms of residents converged on beaches across the city over the weekend in an attempt to keep cool, and make the most out of the unseasonably warm weather.
More than 17,000 runners also endured the heat on Sunday for the 2023 Sydney Marathon, as the mercury climbed to 30 degrees.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe heatwave warning for the Illawarra and South Coast Districts, with temperatures tipped to reach the low to mid-thirties.
“These temperatures are above average by around ten to fifteen degrees and persist for an unusually prolonged period for this time of year,” the latest warning read from the Bureau.
“The passage of a cold front during Wednesday should return conditions to near average with heatwave like conditions easing.”
Overnight temperatures for Illawarra and South Coast Districts are expected to settle in the mid to high-teens.
Batemans Bay has been highlighted as an area likely to be impacted by the heatwave.
The Bureau has predicted a top of 30 degrees in Sydney on Monday, which will creep up to temperatures of 32 degrees on Tuesday and 34 on Wednesday.
Newcastle residents can expect a high of 33 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, with the mercury tipped to peak at 34 degrees on Wednesday.
A top of 31 degrees is forecast for the Central Coast on Monday, which will climb to a maximum of 34 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Penrith locals are in for scorcher, with tops of 36 degrees on Monday, and 35 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
This week’s anticipated temperatures across Sydney just fall short of the city’s September record which stands at 34.6 degrees.
NSW Health has also urged residents to keep cool during the heatwave conditions over the coming days.
Executive Director of Health Protection for NSW Health Dr Jeremy McAnulty said people should stay out of the heat as much as possible, particularly those who are more vulnerable.
“It’s important you do not allow yourself to become too hot or dehydrated by minimising physical activity outdoors during the day and staying well hydrated by drinking water,” he said.
“Don’t wait until you’re thirsty before drinking water.
“It’s best to try and avoid the heat of the day by staying indoors and keeping curtains and blinds shut early.
“If you don’t have air conditioning, using a fan, wetting your skin with a sponge, spray or water-soaked towel can help to keep you cool.”
Dr McAnulty said residents without air-conditioning at home should consider spending time in shopping centres or community spaces.
Englishheadline Australia Meteorologist Bradlyn Oakes said temperatures were above average in many areas of the country on Sunday.
“We are expecting generally sunny skies, high pressure to dominate as we head through our Sunday,” she said on Weekend Live.
“Temperatures well above average in many areas, especially in the south and the south-east.”
Tasmania had the coolest maximum temperature for a capital city on Sunday at 16 degrees.
The next heatwave warning for NSW will be issued by the Bureau on Sunday at 3pm Eastern Standard Time.
