Major heatwave engulfs Sydney, temp hits 40 degrees
Sydney is sweltering in extreme heatwave conditions. In fact, the next 3 days are likely to be the hottest on records, with temperatures climbing well in the 40s. According to weather forecasters, a major heatwave has engulfed the entire state.
To spice this prevailing weather situation, power cuts have threatened air conditioners and fans. New South Wales has avoided load shedding of households in part by asking Tomago Aluminium to control power output. The smelter was asked to prepare to reduce power usage for a second day on Saturday.
Moreover, Sydney's air quality is expected to be poor throughout Saturday, as the mercury will top 39 degrees in the city and 46 degrees in Penrith and Richmond.
This unusual and sultry weather could push the mercury to the state's hottest overall temperature on record for February on Saturday, reaching about 8 degrees above normal.
On Friday, Hay Airport recorded 47.4 degrees, making it the third hottest temperature in February for NSW.
In wake of this, people are advised to exercise caution, particularly with respiratory diseases to take precautionary measures on Saturday, due to high ozone pollution. The source of this pollution are car exhaust and industrial fumes.
Weathermen says, ozone levels reach their peak around 7pm and tend to be lowest in the morning.
It seems like hell has opened its gates in Australia as the temperatures in Sydneyreached tumultuous height. By the weekend the temperature figures are supposed to break 121-year-old record. Even today (Friday) and tomorrow (Saturday) the temperatures are expected to be around 38°C.
These temperatures figures are not expected to reach this high around this time of the year as the average temperature for February is around 26°C.
If the temperatures remain above 35°C today then this will be the 10th consecutive day for the persisting heatwave to continue. The previous prolonged heatwave was registered in the summer of 1895-96 which lasted for around 9 days.
Also Read: Sydney may break over 120-year old summer record
With such relentless heatwave, power cuts looms over the head of Sydney residents. AGL Energy has forced the shutting down of Tomago Aluminum Power plant. This is done to reduce the effect of power cut over New South Wales. All the National Parks in New South Wales have been closed for the weekend amidst the heatwave conditions. Few National Parks in Upper Central West and North West areas are also closed.
Current temperatures around#NSWand#Canberra. More athttps://t.co/2qM1QRn3xE.#heatwave#NSWweather#ACTweatherpic.twitter.com/cF7Ay25yP5
— BOM New South Wales (@BOM_NSW)February 10, 2017
Sydney Airport has hit 43C, the hottest February day on records going back over 70 years#heatwave— Tristan Meyers (@TristanJMeyers)February 10, 2017
from@mpbowers' dashboard in Liverpool, Sydney#heatwavepic.twitter.com/xoCXjchxUG
— Elle Hunt (@mlle_elle)February 10, 2017
Two students transported to hospital suffering heat related illness at The Lakes College North Lakes.@9NewsBrisbanepic.twitter.com/537xNndOql— Tessa Hardy (@TessaHardy9)February 10, 2017
GIF Credit: Bureau of Meteorology Australian Government
Main Image Credit:edge.alluremedia.com.au
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