Wildfires

Australia - Record Heat

Firefighters were standing ready throughout NSW as authorities warn of potential catastrophic fire conditions as temperatures soar.

The heat is expected to create extreme fire danger in large parts of NSW and total bans are in place for 15 regions, including Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast Hunter and Illawarra. Sydney faces what could be its hottest October day on record, with the temperature forecast to rise to 39C.

The NSW Rural Fire Service is warning of the potential for some locations to reach catastrophic danger warnings if the weather deteriorates beyond the forecast. The hot temperature was due to a hot air mass over northern and central parts of the country. "A low pressure trough is drawing the heat down into NSW and those strong north westerly winds drawing temperatures ... much hotter weather near the coast in NSW."

The hot temperatures and strong winds are driving the fire danger with winds of up to 60-70 km/h forecasted for southern parts of NSW. The Bureau of Meteorology also forecasts gusts of up to 100 km/h, while the southern ranges could see winds up to 120km/h. Sydney is tipped to reach 37-39C, while the far west could reach 42C.

Hundreds of firefighters were on standby across the state. "There are also 26 strike teams pre-deployed into strategic locations and also around other areas of extreme risk." Fires could start easily and spread very quickly under the forecast conditions. "They have the chance of affecting people in a matter of minutes."

All tracks and trails in Sydney's national parks have been closed as well as some vantage points for the departure of the tall ships.