A severe heatwave is beating down on parts of New South Wales, with temperatures expected to reach into the 40s in western Sydney and fire authorities declaring total fire bans in several regions. People are being urged to stay cool, look after vulnerable neighbours and take the fire risk seriously over the coming days.
In Sydney, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast a top around the mid‑30s for the CBD, while suburbs further west, such as Penrith, are expected to climb even higher as the heat peaks early in the afternoon.
Temperatures are likely to stay uncomfortably warm well into the evening, with the mercury only slowly dropping below 30 degrees, which means a hot night for many households. The heat is forecast to build again tomorrow, with another very hot day expected before conditions ease when a cooler change sweeps across the state on Sunday.
The Bureau has issued a heatwave warning, saying that severe conditions are set to peak on Friday and Saturday before easing as the cooler change moves through.
The warning area is not limited to Sydney, extending to other parts of NSW including the Hunter, Illawarra, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and Snowy Mountains. This means many communities away from the coast will also be in sweat city.
Because of the hot, dry and windy conditions, total fire bans have been declared for several western and southern districts, including the Lower Central West Plains and the Northern, Eastern and Southern Riverina.
A total fire ban means no fires can be lit in the open and general hot works, like welding or gas cutting in the open air, are restricted due to the risk that a single spark could start a dangerous bushfire. Gas or electric barbecues can usually still be used under strict conditions, but solid fuel barbecues, such as those using wood or charcoal, are not allowed on a total fire ban day.
Authorities are asking people to prepare for the heat by closing blinds or curtains early, using fans or air‑conditioning where possible and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. They are also encouraging people to check on neighbours, friends and family who might struggle in the heat and to stay up to date with the latest fire danger ratings and alerts from the Bureau of Meteorology and the NSW Rural Fire Service.
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