Sydney news: Annual Climate Statement 2020 says last year was dominated by fires, floods, droughts and heatwaves

Here’s what you need to know this morning.

Climate change report

A new Bureau of Meteorology report has confirmed 2020 saw the highest temperature ever recorded in the Sydney basin —reaching 48.9 degrees Celsius in Penrith Lakes on January 4 last year.

The Annual Climate Statement 2020 also confirmed last year was Australia’s fourth-warmest year on record, with the annual national mean temperature coming in at 1.15C above average.

The report explores the droughts, bushfires, floods and heatwaves the country experienced following Australia’s driest year on record in 2019.

The report found much of Australia was affected by drought early in the year, and a wet La Niña declared in September has brought some — but not complete — relief for…