The northern parts of NSW werepeppered with lightning strikes over the last 48 hours,risking the ignition of more bushfires in parts of the statebracing for more heatwaves next week.

Friday marked the beginning of the fortnight that surrounds the summer solstice on December 22,the time of year when Australia experiences the maximum amount of daylight.

During this time,the earth’s tilt pushes the South Pole to its closest annual proximity to the sun. The southern hemisphere catches more light and heat,and the sun takes its longest path across the sky.

Weatherzonemeteorologist Ben Domensinowarned the period is “a notorious time for heatwaves and bushfires in Australia due to the annual peak in solar heating”.

The bureau says the intensity and frequency of heatwaves are increasing under climate change. The overall climate of Australia has warmed by 1.5 degrees.During last week’ssweltering heat,Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said heat exacerbated by climate change was a threat to people’s health.

This year will probably be thehottest on record.

The early Christmas forecast predicts a rainy day dampening festive gatherings,with temperatures in the mid-20s and potential thunderstorms,although forecasting more than seven days ahead relies on models and may be inaccurate.

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