Sydney is likely to observe scorching heat during the final days of 2016 as tropics-like heat and humidity make their way into Southeast Australia.
Warm and moist air has produced some good spells of rain over the interiors, leading to closure of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
Ideal summer conditions are expected to prevail for Tuesday and Wednesday for Sydney, with maximum temperatures settling around 29-30 degrees with partly cloudy sky conditions.
However, during the same time period, the western belt will experience day temperatures of 35-37 degrees.
Extreme warm conditions are likely on its way to bake Sydney towards the end of the week with high levels of humidity.
According to weathermen, the mercury is expected to reach 37 degrees in the city on Thursday and 41-42 degrees in the western suburbs. Friday seems not to have much change in weather conditions, temperatures depend on the sea breezes kicking in. However, 40 degrees expected for western suburbs and 33 degrees for the city.
If the northerly winds are hot and strong enough, it may keep out the sea breeze.
A little relief is expected till the New Year arrives on Sunday; it’s highly possible that Sydney may see its hottest final week of a year in more than half a century.
Summers generally creates humid conditions along the eastern coast, however this week due to the remnants of tropical cyclone Yvette over Central Australia, it seems impossible.
There is a probability of change in wind pattern from northerly to southerly that will reach Sydney on Tuesday, but any relief will be brief.
Western suburbs may also witness a thunderstorm coming off the ranges.
For NSW, the approaching heatwave looks likely to be from Thursday to Saturday. In fact, along with the mercury, the fire risk is also expected in the coming days. Western and Southern Riverina may witness severe fire danger on Tuesday and both areas will have total fire bans.
Uluru and neighboring Kata Tjuta will remain closed as authorities are waiting for floodwaters in the area to subside after heavy rainfall.
Image Credit: climatescience.org.au
