NSW expected to swelter through Australia Day

SYDNEY: Sydneysiders are being urged to look after their mates this Australia Day as New South Wales prepares to swelter through temperatures of up to 45degC.

There will be little respite today for towns in the state’s far northwest as severe heatwave conditions are forecast for the ACT and large areas of central NSW.

A top of 45degC is predicted today for towns including Tibooburra, Bourke, Cobar,

Ivanhoe and Wilcannia.

Revellers in western Sydney are also in for a hot day — tops of 41degC and 40degC are expected in Penrith and Richmond respectively.

Sydney’s CBD, where the bulk of Australia Day celebrations will be held, will endure humid conditions and a top of 33degC.

Police will be deployed in the metropolitan region to ensure the day’s events are safe.

Hostile vehicle mitigation will be in place throughout the region.

‘‘If you’re planning on having a drink, remember the coveted national culture of ‘mateship’ — look after your mates and drink in moderation,’’ Assistant Commissioner Karen Webb said.

South Australia’s emergency diesel generators were fired up for the first time during the state’s recordbreaking Thursday heat — but the state govern ment said the move was for Victoria’s benefit.

The generators were switched on shortly after 5.30pm (local time) at the direction of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO).

State energy minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said South Australia had enough energy to meet demand, despite more than 25,000 customers experiencing blackouts on Thursday night.

Mr van Holst Pellekaan said the generators were used to prop up power supplies in Victoria, where temperatures reached 40degC in Melbourne.

A bushfire emergency alert was activated for Victoria’s east Gippsland region yesterday, where the temperature was reaching into the 40s.

A blaze burning 10km north of Timbarra yesterday was uncontrolled, Vic Emergency reported. — AAP