Sydney woke up on Friday morning to a temperature of above 86 degrees Fahrenheit, starting off a day of extreme weather.

Temperatures rose up to 113 degrees Fahrenheit in rural areas in New South Wales, where some towns experienced their hottest November day in 47 years.

The soaring temperatures sparked bushfires in the Blue Mountains just outside Sydney. Stronger winds had prompted the Rural Fire Service to issue a catastrophic fire warning.

[Phil Koperberg, Rural Fire Service Commissioner]:
"Today there is a slight elevation in wind speeds particularly, and a degree or two particularly down in the southwest of the state, which has tipped the fire danger ratings over into that catastrophic."

Temperatures in Sydney climbed to 107 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day, with children enjoying the swimming pool in the sweltering heat.

"Very, very, very hot."

Workers around Sydney found it difficult to deal with the unusual heat.

"Oh very hot, like sauna."

Paramedics and health authorities warn people to say cool and remain indoors.

[Kristie Sky, New South Wales Ambulance Service]:
"We've seen an increase in the number of patients that have been admitted to hospital with heat related illnesses, especially dehydration."

At the end of the day thunder and lightning storms hit Sydney, setting fire to a house and knocking out power supply to some 9,000 homes and businesses.

Scorching temperatures are expected over the weekend, keeping the fire alert level high.