CNN —The threat of intense bushfires looms over New South Wales as record spring temperatures and high winds fan the flames of more than 60 blazes already burning in Australia’s most populous state, authorities have warned.
Several cities along the east coast saw record spring temperatures Tuesday, according to Australia’s Bureau of Meterology (BOM).
Sydney, the NSW capital, was expected to record its hottest September day ever Wednesday, with BOM forecasting a high of 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit).
“The climate influences driving increased risk of bushfire this season are widespread,” said AFAC CEO Rob Webb.
On Tuesday, BOM declared an El Niño weather event was underway, which typically results in a warmer, drier spring and summer and an increased risk for bushfires.
Persons:
Miriam Bradbury, “, we’ve, ”, Rob Rogers, Rob Webb, climatologist Zhi, Weng Chua, BOM, Karl Braganza
Organizations:
CNN, Bureau, NSW, Fire Service, Facebook, ABC, Australasian Fire Authorities Council, ”, 9News
Locations:
New South Wales, Australia’s, Sydney, NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, Australia, Tennant, Northern Territory, New Zealand, ” Australia, El, BOM