Wellington, Oct. 22 (BNA): Wild, hot winds swept across Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday, fuelling wildfires and sending spring temperatures soaring, breaking October heat records in parts of Sydney.

Australia's weather bureau said a powerful mass of hot air that built up over the country’s outback on Tuesday was now moving across the southeast of the country and bringing a spring heatwave.

Wind gusts of up to 100 kph (62 mph) raised bushfire threats and forced authorities to issue several total fire bans across New South Wales, the most populous state, Reuters reported.

A total of 36 fires are burning, with nine yet to be contained, authorities said. Almost 2,000 properties also lost power.

Temperatures in Sydney’s central business district soared past 37 C (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) by the afternoon, while the western suburbs of Penrith and Bankstown nearly reached 40 C, breaking October heat records.

H.K, s.a