Sydney records highest temperature in nearly two years amid heatwave as Tasmanian bushfires threaten homes

A bushfire burns at Dolphin Sands, Tasmania. New South Wales is having its first heatwave of the summer, while Western Australia’s Pilbara region has had an extreme heatwave warning. Photograph: Triabunna Fire Brigade

Sydney’s CBD has recorded its highest temperature in nearly two years as the east coast of NSW experiences its first heatwave of the summer, while fire authorities in Tasmania and NSW battled bushfires.

Temperatures at Observatory Hill in the Sydney CBD reached 37.8C on Friday, the highest since 26 January 2024, while Penrith Lakes in the city’s west hit 40.3C, the hottest day since 28 January this year.