A total fire ban has been declared for Sydney and the Hunter region on Friday as scorching temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in some areas.
Sydney is set to experience its hottest day of the summer so far, with maximum temperatures forecast to reach 37°C in the city and up to 41°C in the western suburbs.
The Hunter region will face similar conditions, with temperatures predicted to hit 41°C in Singleton, Maitland, and Cessnock.
Beaches in Sydney have been crowded this week as people seek relief from the intense heat.
The NSW Rural Fire Service has announced that a total fire ban will be enforced across Greater Sydney and the Hunter region on Friday due to the “forecast hot and windy conditions.”
Extreme fire danger warnings have been issued for these areas, as well as the North Western and Northern Slopes regions of NSW, where temperatures are expected to reach 42°C in Walgett and 39°C in Tamworth and Gunnedah.
Residents are being urged by the NSW Rural Fire Service to review their bushfire survival plans and prepare their properties accordingly.
The authority has also advised people to reconsider travel plans that involve passing through bushfire-prone areas.
Over the past few days, parts of South Australia and Victoria have experienced dangerous fire conditions fueled by high temperatures and strong winds.
While a cool change has brought relief to South Australia and Victoria, the heat is shifting back to northern and eastern parts of NSW, according to BOM meteorologist Dean Narramore.
