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BLACKTOWN residents are sweating through the hottest day on record, with the mercury hitting 46 degrees at 3pm.
The previous record of 44.7 degrees was recorded in January 14, at Prospect.
The cause of the extreme temperatures has been blamed on a fiery air mass from inland Australia moving over the state, pushing the mercury well above the forecast maximum.
Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Francois Geffroy said temperatures for today were expected to reach 43 degrees.
‘‘It’s basically that cloud developed later than expected that we have seen a higher temperature,’’ he said.
Cooler changes are expected later tonight.
‘‘A southerly is expected on the coastal parts of Sydney from 7pm,’’ Mr Geffroy said.
‘‘There will be a strong and gusterly bringing a cooler change into tomorrow.’’
Temperature for Saturday has been forcast at 25 degress with a maximum temperature of 28 degrees.