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Sydney breaks 72-year heat record

Sydney has broken a 72-year heat record as it sweltered through a hot summer morning.

At 9am on Wednesday, the mercury had already hit 36.5C in the city, making it the highest-ever temperature recorded at that hour.

The previous 9am record of 35C was set back in December 1955, when Robert Menzies was Prime Minister.

Sydneysiders flocked to the water to stay cool. Source: 7 News

Lilly the Labrador enjoyed her time at the beach. Source: 7 News

The sweltering Wednesday morning came after a sticky summer night, with temperatures not dropping below 28C in the CBD.

In Sydney's west temperatures dropped to the low-20s overnight, but had reached 42C at midday, with Penrith reaching a top of 45C.

For those struggling in the heat, there is some relief on the way with a forecast top of 25C in the city and 27C in the west for Thursday.

Plenty of people headed to the beach to beat the heat. Source: 7 News

Workers were sent home from this Willoughby worksite. Source: 7 News

But the relief will be temporary with the mercury set to rise again on Friday.

With the recent run of hot days, water consumption has also rocketed with Tuesday becoming the second-highest single day in the demand for water in the past 14 years.

"Yesterday's demand of 2.116 billion litres was just below the December 2016 maximum day of 2171Ml which was the highest single day demand since February 2003," Sydney Water's Senior Media and Public Relations Advisor Peter Hadfield said.