Heatwave warning as Sydney braces for two-day scorcher

A severe heatwave will send temperatures soaring above 40 degrees in Sydney from Friday, threatening weekend sporting fixtures and prompting an early reopening for Penrith’s “Pondi” beach as total fire bans are declared in parts of the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology issued a statewide heatwave warning on Thursday afternoon, forecasting severe conditions to continue until Saturday before showers and winds bring cool conditions on Sunday.

The Sydney CBD is expected to swelter through tops of 35 degrees on Friday, and 40 degrees are expected in Penrith.

A total fire ban has been declared in the state’s Riverina and Central West regions, while an extreme fire danger risk is forecast for Sydney, the Hunter and Illawarra on Saturday.

The heat is being driven by a high-pressure system entering the Tasman Sea, the bureau’s meteorologist Tristan Sumarna said.

“It’s becoming a little bit slow-moving, so it’s bringing a persistent north-westerly wind,” Sumarna said.

“That is bringing that hot, dry, continental air mass from central Australia to our part of the world, which is driving up those temperatures and lowering the relative humidity as well.”

Maximum temperatures in the mid-30s to low 40s are expected until a sharp cool change, expected late on Saturday or early Sunday. The mercury is expected to hit 36 degrees in Sydney on Saturday, before falling to 26 degrees on Sunday.

Western Sydney is bracing for a top of 41 degrees on Saturday, before the temperature plunges on Sunday. Penrith was one of the hottest parts of the state on Thursday, reaching 37 degrees at about 3.30pm.

The mercury went past 34 degrees at Sydney Olympic Park, while temperatures topped out at just below 30 degrees closer to the harbour.

Heatwave conditions are expected to be extreme on the state’s South Coast. NSW Ambulance chief superintendent Steve Vaughan warned people to plan ahead and monitor conditions.

“Stay hydrated, avoid the heat where possible, and check in on vulnerable people, especially as it gets warmer over the next few days,” he said.

Signs of heat-related illness can include headache, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, fatigue and cramps.

Residents near two bushfires at Borambola near Wagga Wagga and at Bulahdelah, north of Newcastle, were warned to potentially evacuate on Thursday afternoon, before the fires were brought under control in the evening.

Dozens of fires were burning around the state on Thursday night, but none were above the “advice” level.

In response to the heat and higher temperatures expected, Penrith Beach will open Saturday, a day ahead of schedule.

The swim spot nicknamed Pondi has had its hours extended, with new onsite amenities including more shade and outdoor showers in preparation for its third summer operating.

“Western Sydney families have asked, and we’ve listened – Penrith Beach will now open a day early [and] give local families a place to cool off in the summer heat,” acting Western Sydney Minister Courtney Houssos said.

The Bedlam Bay swimming spot on the Parramatta River at Gladesville opened to its first swimmers in late November, and Barangaroo’s Marrinawi Cove has reopened after safety upgrades.

Sydneysiders sought to cool off throughout the day at beaches and popular harbour swim spots.

A man was pronounced dead after he was pulled unresponsive from the water at Redleaf Beach in Double Bay.

The forecast heat could threaten weekend cricket fixtures.

“The health and safety of the NSW cricket community is paramount this weekend, with high temperatures forecast across the state,” a Cricket NSW spokesperson said.

“We are monitoring conditions and will communicate directly with clubs and associations ahead of the weekend regarding guidelines and additional preventative measures.”

Heat guidelines for cricket could result in matches beginning earlier or later in the day, with increased rest periods and drinks breaks, depending on the conditions.

NSW is scheduled to play Queensland in the Sheffield Shield at the SCG beginning on Friday.

The Australian Turf Club has moved races at Rosehill Gardens planned for Saturday to Sunday due to the forecast heat.

“Whilst we apologise for any inconvenience this change has on members and our customers, horse welfare and safety is our first consideration,” the turf club’s interim chief executive, Steve McMahon, said.

“With such extreme hot weather forecast right across Saturday there was no option … we wanted to give everyone involved extra time to revise their plans for the weekend.”

Ten races will be held on Sunday with slightly revised times and free public entry for general admission customers.

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