Australia’s City Set to Break Records with Hottest October Yet

Australia is bracing for an unprecedented October, particularly in Sydney, which is on track to record its hottest month in 168 years. Weatherzone indicates that the city has logged an average temperature of 27°C during the first half of October, which is significantly 5°C above the historical average. This unusual warmth is attributed to offshore winds moving heat from western New South Wales towards the coast.

Severe Weather Forecast for New South Wales

From Friday afternoon, severe storms are expected to sweep across much of New South Wales (NSW). These storms are predicted to bring destructive winds and large hail, impacting areas from Wollongong to Dubbo and up the coast to Kempsey. Angus Hines, a senior meteorologist at the Bureau of Meteorology, stated that Sydney is positioned at the center of this severe thunderstorm risk.

Potential Impacts of the Storms

The anticipated storms are expected to develop early Friday afternoon. The warm temperatures in Sydney, currently hovering around 32°C, could drop significantly due to the incoming storms.

• Expected high of 32°C in Sydney on Friday.
• Temperatures may fall following the arrival of thunderstorms.
• Risk of large hailstones and strong winds is considerable.

While heavy rainfall is typically associated with severe thunderstorms, this particular forecast indicates that the threat of significant rain is somewhat lower. Instead, the focus is on the potential for hail and strong winds.

Factors Behind the Extreme Weather

The unprecedented heat in Sydney is linked to a prolonged negative phase of the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). During this phase, westerly winds dominate over eastern NSW, diminishing the easterly winds that typically bring cloud and rain.

Ben Domensino, a meteorologist, noted that a rare episode of stratospheric warming above Antarctica in late September contributed to these unusual weather patterns. This phenomenon is still being studied for its impacts on Australian weather.

Forecast for Other States

Warm and gusty winds are not limited to NSW. Other states are expected to experience similar conditions. South Australia, in particular, may see temperatures soar up to 45°C in some regions. Meteorologist Miriam Bradbury has issued warnings of severe thunderstorms, extreme fire dangers, and strong winds in the state.

• Temperatures in South Australia expected to be 8 to 15 degrees above average.
• Expected highs of 21°C in Adelaide on Friday, rising to 28°C on Saturday.
• Brisbane temperatures averaging between 26°C and 28°C.

In Tasmania, Hobart’s temperatures are likely to rise from 17°C to 26°C before dropping again. Conversely, Canberra is forecasted to increase from 22°C to 27°C. Meanwhile, temperatures in Perth are predicted to reach 29°C, and Darwin will likely maintain a range around 35°C with the possibility of storms.

This October, Australia is experiencing extreme weather patterns characterized by significant temperature fluctuations and severe storm risks. Residents across various states should remain vigilant as conditions develop.