Wild, hot winds swept across Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday, driving wildfires and pushing spring temperatures to record-breaking highs in parts of Sydney and other regions.

According to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, a large mass of hot air that formed over the country’s outback on Tuesday has moved southeast, triggering a spring heatwave across multiple states. The soaring temperatures have shattered October records in parts of New South Wales, with Sydney experiencing its hottest October day since records began.

Fire authorities are on high alert as dry vegetation and strong winds create ideal conditions for bushfires. Several small blazes were reported in rural areas outside Sydney and Melbourne, prompting warnings and local evacuations in some zones.

In neighboring New Zealand, unusually high temperatures for spring were also recorded, with parts of the South Island experiencing heat typically seen in mid-summer. Meteorologists attribute the weather pattern to a combination of El Niño conditions and persistent high-pressure systems trapping hot air over the region.

Authorities across both countries have urged residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and to stay alert for fire danger updates.