Jennie, I've been listening to the radio for nearly 2 hours & earlier this morning someone from Sydney's south-west said she was listening to bit of light rain so she called to report it!

Sydney forecast at 10 this morning - Max 43, Very hot. Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower in the west. Winds westerly 25 to 40 km/h tending northwesterly 20 to 30 km/h in the evening. 10% chance of rain

37 Celcius here in Sydney at the moment - Observatory Hill is next to the harbour Bridge so would also get the Harbour effect I get here.

I'm sitting in my living room with my fan on 1st setting as I don't need the other (higher) setting yet. humidity is only 23% so I feel cool! But I'll be buying my (morning) paper & returning my library books sometime before the library closes at 7pm.

I'm listening to the noon news where folks in a dangerous part of the south coast are being advised to leave their threatened homes & get to safety.

Catastrophic fire alerts as heatwave hits - story & live TV report Bushfires are breaking out across southern New South Wales amongst some of the most dangerous fire conditions in the state's history.

A total state-wide fire ban is in effect, with a catastrophic rating in place for the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Ranges. Many other areas are experiencing extreme danger levels.

Temperatures hit 40 degrees Celsius on the south coast before lunchtime and similar temperatures and strong winds are expected in most parts of the state, including in Sydney.

Fire crews across Victoria are also on high alert, with a large fire burning in the state's south-west, and severe fire danger weather forecast for parts of the state. (read on & view the live cover)

family shares amazing story of surviving Tasmania's bushfire - video from Monday night

Strong winds hamper Tasmanian fire fight (reported 13 minutes ago)