Australia’s capital cities are preparing for an intense start to October, as soaring temperatures and unusual heatwaves make their way across the country. It’s shaping up to be one of the hottest Octobers in years, with both Sydney and Brisbane expecting temperatures that could break records. As if September’s heat wasn’t enough, October promises even more sweltering days ahead.
Brisbane’s Fiery October Heat
Brisbane is gearing up for its hottest October day in recent memory, with temperatures expected to climb well above average. Today, the city will see the mercury rise to a scorching 35°C — over 9 degrees higher than the typical October temperature. That’s not just a brief spike; it’s a sustained heatwave. Areas like Ipswich, Gympie, and Logan are expected to hit the mid-30s, while Rockhampton could see highs pushing 39°C.
For Brisbane, this isn’t just another hot day. If the forecasted 35°C is reached, it will mark the hottest October day since 2021. While the heat won’t be as extreme over the weekend, temperatures are still set to remain in the high 20s, making it a toasty few days ahead.
Sydney’s Unrelenting September and the Hot Start to October
Meanwhile, Sydney has just experienced its second-hottest September on record. Last month was full of extremes — from the city’s wettest September day in 146 years to the heat that baked the city over multiple days. According to Weatherzone, the average daily maximum temperature for Sydney in September was 23.5°C, a solid 3.3°C above the long-term average. Even the minimum temperatures were higher than usual, hovering around 13.1°C.
The city is now heading straight into October with more heat. This weekend, Sydney is set to hit 30°C for the NRL and NRLW grand finals, reports 9News. That means thousands of spectators will be attending matches in blistering heat, especially the women’s grand final, which is scheduled to take place in the mid-afternoon. Talk about an intense way to enjoy the sport!
What’s Driving the Heat?
So, what’s causing this early blast of heat? Weather experts point to a mix of factors, including a global warming trend and something called “sudden stratospheric warming” over Antarctica. This phenomenon weakens the polar vortex and creates a negative Southern Annual Mode (SAM), which, in turn, leads to more frequent spells of warm, windy weather along the New South Wales coast. In other words, we’re seeing more of these intense warm conditions, and it might just be the start of a long, hot season.
But it’s not just Sydney and Brisbane feeling the heat. Across Australia, many regions are already seeing temperatures soar, with the start of October setting the tone for what could be a particularly scorching spring and summer. As global climate patterns shift, we’re likely to see more extreme weather events like this in the coming years, and that could mean more days like these — hot, dry, and seemingly endless.
