Sydney reaches 33C in potentially warmest start to spring since mid-1800s, while snow forecast in southern NSW
Guardian AU
β’Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:27:24 GMT
π° What Happened
Sydney experienced its potentially warmest start to spring since records began in the mid-1800s, with temperatures reaching 33C in parts of the city on Saturday 5 September. Badgerys Creek hit 33C shortly before 2pm and Observatory Hill recorded 32.1C, with maximums running up to 13C above the September average. A total fire ban is in place for greater Sydney amid extreme fire danger from hot and windy conditions, while snow was forecast for southern New South Wales.
π The Backstory
Temperatures during Sydney's first days of September were on track to match the city's midsummer average of 26.4C, warmer than any other start to spring since the Observatory Hill station opened in 1858. Meteorologist Tom Saunders said a gusty north-westerly airstream blowing south from the northern interior was driving the weekend heat, with the highest anomalies affecting the NSW coast. The Bureau of Meteorology has also forecast what could be the strongest El Nino on record, with record early-September heat predicted for Brisbane as well.
π― Why It Matters
An unusually hot, windy start to spring sharply raises bushfire risk across greater Sydney, which is why authorities have imposed a total fire ban. The contrast between extreme heat in the city and a snow forecast in southern NSW shows how volatile spring weather has become. Residents should monitor fire-danger warnings and prepare for an early start to the summer fire season.
Sydney experienced its potentially warmest start to spring since records began in the mid-1800s, with temperatures reaching 33C in parts of the city on Saturday 5 September. Badgerys Creek hit 33C shortly before 2pm and Observatory Hill recorded 32.1C, with maximums running up to 13C above the September average. A total fire ban is in place for greater Sydney amid extreme fire danger from hot and windy conditions, while snow was forecast for southern New South Wales.
Temperatures during Sydney's first days of September were on track to match the city's midsummer average of 26.4C, warmer than any other start to spring since the Observatory Hill station opened in 1858. Meteorologist Tom Saunders said a gusty north-westerly airstream blowing south from the northern interior was driving the weekend heat, with the highest anomalies affecting the NSW coast. The Bureau of Meteorology has also forecast what could be the strongest El Nino on record, with record early-September heat predicted for Brisbane as well.
An unusually hot, windy start to spring sharply raises bushfire risk across greater Sydney, which is why authorities have imposed a total fire ban. The contrast between extreme heat in the city and a snow forecast in southern NSW shows how volatile spring weather has become. Residents should monitor fire-danger warnings and prepare for an early start to the summer fire season.