As temperatures are set to soar into the high 30s this weekend, a recent report from the Climate Council paints a stark picture of what lies ahead if climate pollution isn't curbed.

The Climate Council’s Heat Map of Australia, an interactive tool, projects the number of hot and very hot days - along with sweltering nights - each suburb and electorate could face by 2050 and 2090 under three different scenarios: no action, continuing current policies, or implementing necessary climate measures.

Western Sydney has already felt the brunt of extreme heat, with Penrith recording a staggering 48.9°C on January 4, 2020 - making it the hottest place on Earth that day.

“People in Western Sydney are already experiencing heatwaves approaching 50°C,” the report states. “Without urgent action, the region will see even more frequent and intense heatwaves, which will impact quality of life, public health, and economic productivity.”

Compounding the problem is Western Sydney’s geography and urban design. The region is far from the coast, which offers a cooling effect, and suffers from the urban heat island effect - a phenomenon where roads, roofs, and concrete surfaces absorb and radiate heat, raising temperatures by up to 10°C on extreme heat days.

“Unlike coastal areas, there’s no sea breeze relief here,” the Climate Council warns. “Lack of vegetation, high-density development, and poor housing design are exacerbating the crisis.”

The report projects that by 2050, if existing climate action continues, Western Sydney will experience an average of 22 days above 35°C - an increase of 8 days compared to 1986-2005 averages. There will also be 3 days above 40°C, an increase of 2 days, while nights above 25°C will remain at zero.

If no action is taken, the region could see 13 additional days over 35°C by 2050. Even with necessary climate measures, there would still be an increase of 8 days over 35°C, underscoring the long-term impact of past emissions.

Looking further ahead to 2090, the projections become even more alarming. If current climate action continues, Western Sydney will experience 27 days above 35°C - an increase of 13 days. There will be 5 days above 40°C, an increase of 3 days, and, for the first time, the region will endure at least one night above 25°C.

If no action is taken at all, the situation worsens dramatically, with the region facing 32 additional days over 35°C by 2090. Even with the strongest climate measures, Western Sydney would still see an increase of 8 days over 35°C.

Without significant cuts to climate pollution, the report predicts that Western Sydney’s already scorching summers will become even more unbearable, putting residents at greater risk of heat-related illnesses and economic strain.

The Ponds in Western Sydney