NSW weather: Heatwave hits Greater Sydney, Hunter regions as Total Fire Ban declared
‘Well above average’ temperatures hit one state as firies prepare for the worst.
Australians living in New South Wales have had a sweltering start to the week.
Temperatures in western Sydney were expected to peak at 37C, with a high temperature of 35C forecasted at the airport.
The Bureau of Meteorology said the temperatures were “well above average” for mid-October.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Fresh north westerly winds, with hot and dry conditions will lead to elevated fire danger ratings on Monday,” a warning read.
“There is also the chance of elevated thunderstorms with little to no rainfall, most likely in the afternoon.”
The NSW Rural Fire Service has rated the Hunter Region as a high fire risk, while Greater Sydney is at extreme fire risk.
Total Fire Bans are in place across both regions.
Fires cannot be lit, maintained, or used in the open, and any activity which may produce a spark —like welding or grinding— is prohibited.
Lighting a fire during a Total Fire Ban can lead to a $2200 fine on the spot or a fine up to $5500 and/or 12 months in prison if it goes to court.
Penalties for a fire that escapes and damages or destroys life, property or the environment can lead to a fine of up to $132,000 and 14 years in jail.
NSW RFS commissioner Trent Curtin urged people to adhere to advice from officials.
“Fire danger is going to be right up today, and so people need to take care right through the day to make sure that they’re not doing anything with flames out in the open,” he told ABC radio.
“We’ve got some severe thunderstorms expected across large parts of NSW.
“We don’t think we’re going to see a whole lot of rain with that today, so that dry lightning starting fires out in the west and through the middle parts of NSW is going to be a real problem.”
A damaging winds warning has been issued for the Snowy Mountains Region, where winds are predicted to reach up to 100 kilometres per hour in the afternoon but should ease during Monday evening.
A cool change is expected in the afternoon in Sydney, with temperatures expected to peak at 21C on Tuesday.
SYDNEY WEATHER FORECAST
- Monday: Showers, Max 35 ☔️
- Tuesday: Showers, 17-21 ☔️
- Wednesday: Possible shower, 14-19 🌧️
- Thursday: Shower or two, 14-20 ☔️
- Friday: Showers, 15-21 ☔️
- Saturday: Showers, 15-22 ☔️
- Sunday: Shower or two, 15-22 ☔️
Forecast sourced from the Bureau of Meteorology.
