Sydney poised to break records with its hottest October yet
Sydney is experiencing exceptionally high temperatures this October, potentially marking its hottest month on record. The average maximum temperature for the first half of October reached approximately 27.2°C. This is notably higher than the city’s typical long-term average of 22.2°C for this month.
Sydney’s October Heat Records
During the initial weeks of October, Sydney recorded four days with temperatures exceeding 30°C. The city didn’t dip below 22.7°C, setting the record for the warmest first half of October in 168 years. If the trend continues, this month could surpass the previous record average of 26.2°C set in 1988.
Weather Patterns Driving the Heat
The record-breaking temperatures are attributed to persistent westerly and north-westerly winds. These winds have transported warm air from western New South Wales, resulting in a dry and hot conditions. Sydney received only 4.2 mm of rain in the first half of the month, significantly lower than the typical 78 mm for October.
One significant factor in this weather pattern is the negative phase of the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). This phenomenon weakens the easterly winds, usually responsible for cloud cover and rainfall, allowing warmer air to dominate the region. A rare stratospheric warming event over Antarctica has contributed to the current weather conditions.
Upcoming Weather Forecast
Looking ahead, Sydney is expected to maintain its unseasonably warm weather. In the coming week, bursts of heat are forecasted, with potential temperatures in the CBD reaching 33 to 34°C on October 20. Suburban areas may see temperatures climb as high as 37 to 38°C.
- October 20 Forecast: 33 to 34°C in the CBD
- Western suburbs: 37 to 38°C
Record-Breaking Potential
Current predictions estimate Sydney’s average maximum temperature for October could reach around 26.5°C. This figure is a significant 4.3°C above the historical average. Should temperatures stay this high, Sydney would officially mark its hottest October ever.
This expected anomaly would surpass the existing record of +4.2°C from September 2013 and set a new benchmark for the city’s maximum temperature records dating back to 1859. As scientists continue to investigate the impacts of various weather phenomena, Sydney finds itself in a unique climatic situation this October.
