Sydney records hottest day after 80 years

The city of Sydney recorded its hottest day on Sunday with the mercury hitting 47.3 degrees Celsius after almost 80 years, according to Australian weather authorities

The city of Sydney recorded its hottest day on Sunday with the mercury hitting 47.3 degrees Celsius after almost 80 years, according to Australian weather authorities.

Sunburnt cricket fans watch the action on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes cricket Test match between Australia and England at the SCG in Sydney on January 7, 2018. (AFP Photo)

Much of Sydney reached its peak temperature at about 3 p.m., with the city’s west bearing the brunt of the heat, reports the Guardian.

Richmond reached 46.3 degrees Celsius just after 2.30 p.m., while the temperature in Bankstown exceeded 45 degrees Celsius.

A severe fire danger rating was issued for the greater Sydney regiony, while much of the rest of the state has a “very high” rating.

Total fire bans are in place for Sydney and the Hunter region.

The Bureau of Meteorology said cooler conditions were expected to reach coastal areas later in the day.