New Year’s Eve 2023: heat and hail forecast in Australia’s weather mix as crowds gather early for fireworks

People arrive and queue to gain entry to Mrs Macquaries Point on Sydney Harbour’s foreshore ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations on Sunday. Photograph: Dan Himbrechts/EPA

Heat and hail have been forecast across parts of the country as hundreds queue outside the Sydney Opera House to secure front-row seats for the New Year’s Eve fireworks.

Lines in Circular Quay began to form at 8am on Sunday as people sought to stake their claim to a view. By 11.24am, organisers announced the Sydney Opera House vantage point is full and advised members of the public to seek alternative options.