Western Sydney sweating on temperatures over 40 degrees

Western Sydney is facing a scorcher today with temperatures of over 40 degrees forecast, sparking renewed fears of blackouts.

Temperatures are expected to reach 42 degrees in Penrith and Richmond, 40 degrees in Liverpool and Blacktown, and 37 degrees in Hornsby.

The eastern half of the city is set to be cooler, but still hot with a forecast top of 33.

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It follows ongoing heatwave conditions in other parts of the country over the weekend, including western New South Wales, while temperatures in Melbourne also topped 40 degrees yesterday.

Some regions endured heat of 10 to 12 degrees above average.

Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Angus Hines said in parts of Victoria and South Australia, temperatures had been as high as 15 to 20 degrees above average.

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Demand for electricity along the east coast in recent days was the highest it has been since January 2020.

This has led to authorities warning of increased blackout risk.

Hines said relief would come for parts of the east coast today, with a southerly buster reaching the NSW Illawarra, Sydney, and Hunter regions by the evening.

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That is likely to swiftly lower temperatures by five to 15 degrees.

However, it will be accompanied by a potential severe storm risk for the Illawarra and NSW South Coast, including dangerous winds and hail.

Stay up to date with warnings at the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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