Temperatures are rising sharply as New South Wales experiences its first heatwave of the summer. By 10am, Sydney saw 31°C, Olympic Park 33°C, and places west of Parramatta may hit 40°C. Forecaster Jonathan How said, "It’s got very hot, very early. We’ve had those winds coming from the west really heating things up quite quickly." Severe heatwave warnings cover areas including the Hunter and Snowy Mountains, while the south coast faces an extreme heatwave warning. In Tasmania, fire crews focus on battling fires at Dolphin Sands. The Tasmania Fire Service warns residents who left the area overnight that "it was not yet safe to return." Simon Pilkington, southern regional chief, said, "We are aware of property losses in Dolphin Sands, and will be completing rapid impact assessments when safe to do so." Glenlusk residents may return with caution, while people in Abels Bay, Colebrook, Levendale, and Rhyndaston should monitor conditions. Across Australia, the climate crisis has made heatwaves and bushfires more frequent and severe. The Bureau of Meteorology notes the national average temperature is now about 1.5°C higher than in 1910. Heat warnings also extend to parts of Queensland, Northern Territory, and Western Australia. The Pilbara region in WA faces an extreme heatwave warning with temperatures expected to reach as high as 46°C inland from Broome. In NSW, areas like Scone and Muswellbrook expect temperatures of 40°C and 41°C respectively, with Newcastle hitting 39°C. Sydney will see high minimum temperatures overnight, not dropping below 21°C. Forecaster How warns of thunderstorms Saturday evening with a risk of "dry lightning, which could start new fires." He advises people to stay hydrated, avoid the sun, and watch for fire service alerts. Victoria is cooler, but the Mallee region faces a total fire ban with highs near 40°C. A cool change will arrive along the NSW coast Sunday morning, bringing light showers. Tasmania and Victoria can expect showers, thunderstorms, and some snow in Tasmania’s high areas by Saturday night.