Sydney’s Temperature Drops 15°C in Dramatic Cool Change Amid Scorching Heatwave

Sydney’s Temperature Drops 15°C in Dramatic Cool Change Amid Scorching Heatwave

Sydney’s Temperature Drops 15°C in Dramatic Cool Change Amid Scorching Heatwave

Sydney experienced a remarkable weather phenomenon today as the city sweltered under a punishing heatwave before an afternoon cool change sent temperatures plunging by as much as 15°C in just an hour. The sudden shift provided much-needed relief from the scorching conditions but also brought storms, high winds, and disruptions.

Temperatures climbed to a blistering 42°C in parts of the city earlier in the day. Sydney Airport reached 42.5°C by 1:30 PM, while areas like Penrith and Bankstown topped 43°C. Even coastal areas like Bondi, often shielded by sea breezes, recorded highs of 36°C. However, as the afternoon unfolded, a dramatic cool change swept through, driven by southerly winds and an approaching storm system.

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Meteorologist Edward Townsend-Medlock from the Bureau of Meteorology noted the intensity of the shift. In Canterbury, for example, the temperature plummeted from 40.6°C to 25°C in just an hour. Similarly, Sydney’s Observatory Hill weather station dropped from 36°C at 1 PM to 29°C by 4 PM. At Olympic Park, the temperature fell from 41°C to 26°C in under two hours. This rapid change, known as a "southerly buster," is a hallmark of Sydney’s summer climate, though its speed and intensity caught many off guard.

The cool change brought more than just relief; it also ushered in powerful storms. The Sydney CBD saw wind gusts and hail, with the State Emergency Service responding to over 160 calls for help, mostly due to fallen trees. Gusts exceeding 90 km/h were reported in some areas, leading to warnings for hazardous driving conditions and the risk of power outages.

This extreme weather comes against the backdrop of a broader climate challenge. Australia's Bureau of Meteorology has highlighted a warming trend over the past century, with heatwaves becoming more intense and frequent. While today’s cool change alleviated immediate discomfort, it underscores the volatility of weather patterns in a warming world.

The storm system is expected to continue impacting the region, with warnings in place for damaging winds, heavy rain, and potential flooding in parts of New South Wales. As Sydney residents brace for the next chapter of this dynamic weather event, today serves as a reminder of both nature’s power and its unpredictability.

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