Sydney Heatwave: Temperatures could rise to high 30s, mid 40s

Hot weather, with high daytime peaks and warm nights, is in this week's forecast for Sydney.

As temperature levels witness a rise across the city – with peak temperatures reaching high 30s – a growing risk of fires has also been expressed.

The city experienced the start of a heatwave on Sunday. This heatwave raised the temperatures to high 30s in Sydney’s west and mid 40s in the bush. Friday is expected to mark the arrival of a second heatwave, when temperatures are expected to rise again.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Neale Fraser, the coastal areas will likely be cooler as a result of sea breezes. The temperature in Sydney’s west, he said, is forecasted to reach 30 degrees Celsius, The Daily Telegraph reports.

Rob Sharpe, a meteorologist with Weatherzone, predicted Wednesday to be “the hottest day.” He added that a weak sea breeze is expected to come in late.

"It could even nudge 40 degrees in the city,” Sharpe said.

As reported by the Sydney Morning Herald (with AAP), the Bureau of Meteorology notes Sydney could experience a maximum temperature of 31 degrees on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the mercury levels are expected to rise to 37 degrees. The temperatures will likely be around mid 30s and increase to high 30s as the week progresses.

The minimum temperatures, on the other hand, should be over 21 degrees. Saturday morning could see a temperature of, or more than, 25 degrees. Sharpe added that warm nights will persist well into next week.

Temperatures will see a significant rise in the New South Wales’ northwest, where Fraser said “it is really going to heat up with temperatures in the mid-40s for places like Dubbo and Cobar.”

“On Thursday, a change will bring about cooler temperatures before it heats up again on Friday,” he added.

Friday is expected to mark the state’s hottest day. The heatwave could result in a large area of the state’s northwest to experience temperature as high as 45 degrees.

Vegetation has grown longer and dried out as a result of high rainfall and hot weather throughout last year, according to Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons. Crop losses as a result of recent fires have amounted to an astounding $650,000, with as many as 300 sheep that have been killed. The blazes have burned around 5,500 hectares cumulatively.