NSW weather: Extreme fire danger sparks total fire ban across parts of state

Hot, dry and windy conditions have led to total fire bans across parts of NSW, with fire authorities warning of elevated risks in the lead-up to Christmas.

A total fire ban is in place for parts of NSW, with authorities issuing extreme fire danger warnings as the state braces for hot and dry weather conditions.

The areas with a fire ban include the Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, Northern Slopes and North Western fire weather districts.

Hot, windy conditions are driving the heightened fire risk, with the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warning “fresh and gusty northwest to southwest winds combined with hot and dry conditions are resulting in elevated fire dangers on Monday”.

Temperatures in Sydney are set to peak at 28C before dipping to the low 20s on Tuesday.

Christmas Day will see a warm 28C in Sydney with morning cloud clearing. Boxing Day will be slightly higher before a scorcher on Friday with temperatures forecast to hit 37C.

Total fire bans have been issued for several parts of NSW on Monday. Picture: RFS

Rural Fire Service Inspector Ben Shepherd urged Christmas campers to be vigilant.

“We need to ensure that campfires are fully extinguished and that people adhere to the fire ban rules,” he said on 2GB.

“The last thing we want is any new fires starting in the landscape, especially with little rain forecast over the coming weeks. Conditions are shifting, and we’re urging everyone to stay cautious.”

Thousands are expected to flock to the beach to provide relief to the soaring temperatures. Picture: NewsWire / Nikki Short

Australia’s capital will bask in a sunny and dry Christmas, with temperatures peaking at 33C. December 26 will remain warm, reaching 31C, with sunshine expected throughout the day.

The RFS reminds residents and visitors to monitor fire warnings and follow to all restrictions.

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