Penrith has recorded its hottest March temperature since 1998, with the mercury rising above 40 degrees this afternoon.
It hit 40.1 degrees at Penrith Lakes at 3.31pm, just 0.5 degrees cooler than the March record.
On March 13, 1998 the temperature reached 40.6 degrees in Penrith.
It’s the first time since January 2021 that Penrith has recorded a temperature above 40 degrees.
That’s right – Penrith has gone through two consecutive summers without a day above 40 degrees.
It’s a far cry from January 2020 when Penrith hit an extraordinary 48.9 degrees, setting a new record for the area.
Another hot day is expected tomorrow with a top temperature of 36 degrees, before a cooler end to the week.
#Penrith and #SydneyAirport have both cracked 40ºC today for the first time since January 2021. Make sure you are keeping cool out there today! Here are some tips on managing hot weather: https://t.co/D0NliWgtAD pic.twitter.com/uphqEkIiMG
— Weatherzone (@weatherzone) March 6, 2023
Troy Dodds
Troy Dodds is the Weekender's Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia's leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.