Wild, scorching winds swept across Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday, driving devastating wildfires and pushing spring temperatures to unprecedented highs. In parts of Sydney, October heat records were shattered as the nation battled an early and intense heatwave.
According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, a powerful mass of hot air that developed over the country’s outback on Tuesday has now moved toward the southeast, triggering extreme fire danger across New South Wales (NSW) — Australia’s most populous state.
Authorities reported wind gusts reaching up to 100 km/h, worsening bushfire conditions and prompting multiple total fire bans. Currently, 36 fires are burning, with nine still uncontained, and nearly 2,000 properties have lost power amid the chaos.
Temperatures in Sydney’s Central Business District soared beyond 37°C, while Penrith and Bankstown approached a sweltering 40°C — record-breaking heat for October.
“It is still spring and we are seeing these incredibly warm temperatures,” said Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Angus Hines, emphasizing the growing unpredictability of seasonal patterns.
At Bondi Beach, retiree Tony Evans from England described the unusual heat:
“It’s really hot and what surprised me is the temperature of the wind — it’s got no cooling effect. It actually feels like it’s heating you instead of cooling you down.”
Typically, Australia’s fire season runs from November through February, but the early onset of fires and extreme temperatures raises deep concern about what lies ahead.
Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand is facing its own crisis. Authorities issued rare “red-level” wind warnings — reserved for only the most extreme conditions — across central and southern regions.
Firefighters battled to control blazes near Kaikoura (South Island) and Hawke’s Bay (North Island) as winds fanned flames, destroying several properties including five homes.
The IKEA parent company, Ingka, confirmed that the fires had burnt pine trees meant for furniture production but assured that the global supply chain would not be impacted.
By Wednesday afternoon, the New Zealand government declared a state of emergency in the Canterbury region, enabling emergency response efforts to escalate. The MetService forecast gusts up to 150 km/h along the South Island’s east coast and up to 140 km/h near Wellington, alongside heavy rainfall in certain areas.
Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and prepare for power outages, following a tragic incident on Tuesday when strong winds caused a tree branch to fall and kill a man in a Wellington park.
