Weather: ‘Extreme’ bushfire conditions expected as windspeed and temperatures soar

One Aussie city has been placed under an “extreme fire danger” warning as hot weather and high windspeed gives local fire departments cause for concern.

The entire greater Sydney area has been placed under a fire weather warning, with firefighters preparing themselves for the worst as millions of Sydneysiders head to work on Monday morning.

According to the active warning placed at 4.20am by the Bureau of Meteorology, “extreme fire danger is forecast” for the entire metropolitan area.

“Fresh north westerly winds, with hot and dry conditions will lead to elevated fire danger ratings on Monday. There is also the chance of elevated thunderstorms with little to no rainfall, most likely in the afternoon,” the warning reads.

BOM Senior Meteorologist Sarah Scully said eastern parts of NSW could expect “elevated fire dangers”.

“For the Sydney area, a fire weather warning is in place with extreme fire dangers. We’ve got really high temperatures forecast today, with up to 36 and 37 degrees for the western suburbs of Sydney,” she said.

Sydney is currently projecting a high forecast of 35C at the airport, with more inland suburbs like Campbelltown and Penrith also expecting slightly higher maximum temperatures of 36C.

On Monday morning, the NSW Rural Fire Service issued a total fire ban for the Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter regions.

NSW RFS spokesman Greg Allan said firefighters were expecting “high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity”.

“We don’t want to see any new fires in the open, nothing that will start a new fire. Don’t use any solid fuel, so for anybody having a barbecue that’s no wood or charcoal,” he said.

“Most importantly, look after yourself and your family. Stay cool, stay hydrated and make sure you have discussed your bushfire survival plan.”