Unseasonably warm weather is arriving early in eastern Australia, with temperatures expected to reach record levels for this time of year in cities like Sydney and Brisbane. In Sydney, the first days of September are on track to see maximum temperatures matching the average midsummer reading of 26.4°C, which is warmer than any other start to spring since records began in 1858. Some areas in Sydney could hit up to 33°C, which would be 13°C above the average for early September. Meteorologist Tom Saunders explained that a strong north-westerly wind pattern, bringing warm air from the interior of the country, is responsible for the unusual heat. This weather system is expected to push temperatures even higher than usual, particularly along the New South Wales coast. The extreme heat brings heightened fire risks, with a total fire ban in place for the greater Sydney area due to the forecast of extreme fire danger. Similar conditions are affecting much of the country, with damaging winds expected in South Australia and minor to moderate flooding forecast in parts of Victoria and Tasmania. Meanwhile, in southern New South Wales, snow is falling in the Snowy Mountains, with Thredbo expecting snowfall by late Saturday morning. However, the snow won’t significantly help the already low snowpack, which is at historic lows for this time of year, even at high elevations. Further north, southern Queensland is also experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures, with peaks expected in the mid-30s. In South Australia’s Mount Lofty and Flinders ranges, wind gusts of up to 110 km/h are possible. Heavy rains are forecast for parts of north-east Victoria and northern Tasmania, with up to 60 mm of rain expected in some areas. This comes as the region’s catchments are already saturated from earlier winter rains, increasing the risk of flooding in these areas. This dramatic start to spring is occurring against the backdrop of a powerful El Niño weather pattern, which is already breaking heat records and is expected to persist until early 2027. El Niño typically brings hotter and drier conditions to Australia's south and east, increasing the risk of heatwaves, droughts, and bushfires. Australia’s national fire and emergency services council has warned of an increased fire risk across several regions, including parts of NSW, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia, as well as the Northern Territory.