Overview
Anyone who's been outside over the last week will have noticed that Sydney has been unseasonably warm, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees or over for the past eight days. If you've been thinking that this toasty patch is not just out of character given the time of year, but rather prolonged, you're spot on. In fact, it's the first time that the city has achieved the feat in July.
It looks as though that new record-setting period will continue, too, since temps above 20 are forecast through until Monday. Today, Friday, July 26, is due to hit 20, as is tomorrow, Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 — while Monday, July 29 will reach a maximum of 21.
The last time that Sydney sweltered through a prolonged July warm spell was actually just last year, although it ended after seven days. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the city reached six days in a row above 20 in 2013 — but before that, the record was five back in 1928. If the current run continues, 2019 will max out at 12 consecutive days.
According to Weatherzone, the increased temperatures will likely smash another record as well. Sydney has already experienced 12 days above 20 degrees in total this month, with July 2018 holding the current mantle at 13.
If you've been enjoying the hardly wintry climes, the fact that nicer conditions will be sticking around over the weekend is obviously good news — in the sun you don't even need a light jacket. It's hard to deny that this winter has been more pleasant than usual; the average maximum temp for July is 16.4, according to BOM, and the city has only dropped below that average once this month. But it undeniably and rightfully adds to the ever-present anxiety about global warming.
Next week, however, it might be time to dig out your beanie again, as slightly frostier conditions are due to return. The mercury will dip down to 17 on Tuesday, July 30 and Wednesday, July 31, with the drop accompanied by showers. The wet weather will remain on Thursday, August 1, when a temp of 18 is forecast.
The warmer spell has been a bit of contrast to the end autumn — when we were dealing with some frosty cold fronts and a whole heap of snow (even in the Blue Mountains) — although, it's not unexpected. Australia did swelter through its hottest summer on record and autumn was our third warmest ever.
If you've got the weekend off, make the most of it — visit a beach, do a seaside walk or catch a ferry to explore islands and national parks.
By Sarah Ward and Lauren Vadnjal.
Via Weatherzone. Image: Manly by Paros Huckstepp.