Heat records tumble as downed tree causes chaos on Sydney train line

Sydney has broken a four-year weather record with temperatures in the city's west soaring eight to 12 degrees above the average for November.

Richmond in Sydney's north-west hit 39.6 degrees by 1.20pm.

The last time November average temperatures were this hot in Penrith was in 2020, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.

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As winds picked up in the afternoon, a downed tree brought delays to the T8 Line in the city's south.

NSW Transport is trying to arrange replacement buses between East Hills and Glenfield due to a tree blocking the tracks at Holsworthy.

Passengers have been asked to delay their trip, or catch a T2 Leppington and Inner West Line trains between the city and Glenfield via Granville instead.

Long lines of commuters were seen at Revesby station, where passengers exited a train and waited for busses.

Sydney Airport recorded winds gusts up to 56 kilometres per hour at 5.30pm, while Kurnell also recorded gusts of 54 kilometres per hour.

Parts of Queensland were also scorched in today's heatwave.

In Queensland's north-west, Julia Creek hit 40 by 2pm AEST, while Cloncurry hit 37 after 12pm.

Trepell, also in the state's north-west, hit a sizzling 38.9 by 2.50pm.

Temperatures in Brisbane were a bit cooler but still warm, with the CBD and airport both hitting 26 by 12.40pm.

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People warned to stay indoors

NSW Health issued a warning to Sydneysiders, telling them to stay indoors as temperatures climb to an almost unbearable level.

"Extreme heat can cause severe illnesses and can be life-threatening, so it is important to know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and take action to stay cool," NSW Health Director of Environmental Health Dr Stephen Conaty said.

"On a hot day, people can reduce their risk of heat-related illness by closing blinds and curtains early, staying indoors during the hottest times of the day, staying hydrated and carrying a water bottle when outside."

NSW and Queensland have both been issued heatwave warnings by the Bureau of Meteorology.

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St John Ambulance has issued a warning for people planning on spending the upcoming warm days outside at events, concerts or festivals.

Hospital admissions have risen by 46 per cent compared to 2023, with heat-related illness a large chunk of that number.

"These insights reveal we're a dehydrated nation, and with the hottest months coinciding with festival season, it's crucial for Australians to be mindful of their hydration," St John Ambulance event commander Simon Frost said.

"Dehydration can strike quickly, especially at festivals where people are sweating more heavily from dancing in the sun.

"Staying proactive with proper hydration can prevent severe health risks and keep the good times rolling."

Temperatures in the next couple of days are expected to be 10 to 12 degrees higher than average, closing in on 40 tomorrow in Sydney's west.

Blackout risk eases

While NSW bakes, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has said the state's power grid will be able to handle the heat today and the risk of blackouts has now eased for today.

There is still a risk of blackouts tomorrow and throughout the week as the heatwave continues.

"Based on current forecast conditions, AEMO has assessed that reserves (supply to meet demand) are manageable in New South Wales for today despite rising temperatures," it said in a statement.

"However, ongoing heatwave conditions combined with significant generation outages in NSW tomorrow and Thursday remain a risk."

Despite the risks, residents can still use power as normal, the AEMO said.

"AEMO has not currently asked residents or businesses in NSW to use less energy during these heatwave conditions."

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In Queensland, the power grid will be able to manage today and tomorrow with no risk of blackouts.

Critical power generators in NSW are undergoing maintenance today, with four offline this morning.

The AEMO said it "has alerted the energy industry and is working with power station operators and transmission businesses to boost electricity availability".

Late yesterday afternoon, AEMO advised that energy reserves had improved after transmission outages were cancelled.

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