Publication Date February 10, 2017 | 9news

Weekend scorcher: Worst heatwave on record forecast to begin today amid fears of widespread blackouts in Sydney

Australia

Parts of Sydney are set to swelter through the worst three-day heatwave on record starting today, potentially triggering rolling blackouts this afternoon as electricity demand is tipped to jump by 50 percent.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) is warning of a possible power shortfall in Sydney from 5.30pm (AEDT) amid record power demand as people crank up their air-conditioners.

The heatwave from Friday to Sunday is forecast to be the worst in western Sydney’s more than 70 years of weather records, according to Weatherzone meteorologist Rob Sharpe.