Sweltering in Sydney

SYDNEY has sweltered through its hottest day in almost eighty years with the mercury in Penrith hitting 47.3C yesterday.

Much of Sydney reached its peak temperature around 3pm, with the city’s west bearing the brunt of the heat.

Richmond reached 46.3C while the temperature in Bankstown broke 45C.

A severe fire danger rating was issued for the greater Sydney region while much of the rest of the state was put on a “very high” rating.

Total fire bans were put in place for Sydney and the Hunter region.