Heatwave set to deliver sweltering temperatures on eastern seaboard as officials deliver blackout update

A spring heatwave is brewing with temperatures threatening to spiral towards 40C, as Australia’s energy regulator downgrades predictions the increased demand on power could have brought mass blackouts.

Parts of western Sydney, including Penrith and Richmond, are tipped to hit 39C on Tuesday, while Liverpool and Campbelltown are looking at temperatures of 36C.

The forecasts are well above spring norms, with Richmond’s prediction a whopping 12C above its average November maximum temperature of 27C.

Regional areas won’t be spared, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) issuing severe heatwave warnings for large swathes of the NSW coast including the Hunter region and the south coast.

Sydney is forecast to reach 31C, well up from the November average maximum temperature of 24C.

Planned outages at a number of coal plants have been avoided, after the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) worried low energy reserves could hit huge parts of NSW with blackouts.

The combination of increased air-conditioning use with generator repairs at three NSW coal-fired power plants threatened to shut the grid down in some areas, but AEMO confirmed late on Monday the worst should be avoided.

“AEMO remains focused on maintaining electricity reliability in both New South Wales and Queensland this week, as high temperatures are expected to drive strong energy demand amid significant generation unavailability in NSW,” a statement read.

“If electricity supply forecasts deteriorate, AEMO will take all necessary measures, including the activation of off-market reserves, to ensure supply reliability.”

The BOM warned severe heatwaves can be dangerous for many people, include pregnant and breast-feeding women, babies, older people and those with medical conditions.

The severe heatwave warnings are in place until Thursday, with temperatures predicted to decline on Friday.