Sydney’s punishing heatwave gave way to rain and storms as the predicted cool change rolled into the city, slashing temperatures.
The heatwave is bringing oppressive temperatures, extreme UV levels, the risk of power outages and a severe storm.
Sydney sweltered through a hotter than average January day before 90km/h winds brought much-needed relief.
Communities lashed by severe thunderstorms and rain will receive government support to repair homes as crews assess the damage from three days of extreme weather.
Experts say it is only a matter of time until major Australian cities experience “house-to-house ignition” on a similar scale to Los Angeles.
Two women were taken to St Vincent’s Hospital after a large fig tree fell on them in Hyde Park.
Wednesday’s destructive storm was lit up by flashes of lightning, with more than 70,000 strikes recorded within 100 kilometres of the CBD.
A Sydney man has recounted the terrifying moment the roof blew off his home as destructive weather lashed the city on Wednesday evening.
South-east Australia is facing a weekend of heatwaves, with temperatures forecast to push 40 degrees in parts of Sydney.
The super maxi has claimed back-to-back line honours in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race in an event marred by the death of two sailors.