NSW: Heatwave and strong winds prompt authorities to issue catastrophic fire warning
A forecast with a potentially deadly mix of high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds has prompted authorities to issue the highest fire warning for parts of NSW, while another 11 regions face extreme fire warnings.
Authorities have issued a catastrophic fire danger warning for parts of NSW for the first time in two years as a heatwave and strong winds look set to smash the state.
The Rural Fire Service forecast the catastrophic fire danger for the Lower Central West Plains for Wednesday due to the forecast high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
The area covers local government areas such as Temora, Forces, Lachlan, Narromine and Parkes.
Catastrophic is the highest level of bush fire danger and the most dangerous conditions for a fire, and it will be the first time it has been issued since September 2023.
An extreme fire warning is also forecast for 10 other areas: the Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Central Ranges, North Western, Upper Central West Plains, Southern Slopes, Eastern Riverina, Southern Riverina, Northern Riverina.
The extreme fire dangers are also expected to continue into Thursday.
Total Fire Bans have also been declared for 11 areas across the state.
The Bureau of Meteorology has also issued a severe heatwave warning for areas including the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast, Northern Tablelands and Upper Western.
“Maximum temperatures in the mid thirties to low forties and overnight minimum temperatures in the low to mid twenties over the Upper Western district,” the bureau said.
“Maximum temperatures in the high twenties to mid thirties and overnight minimum temperatures in the high teens to low twenties over the Northern Rivers, Mid North Coast and Northern Tablelands districts.
“Severe heatwave conditions are expected to ease over the Upper Western district during over the next few days, and over northeast parts of the state later this week or over the weekend.
“Locations likely to be impacted include Bourke, Ballina, Byron Bay, Dorrigo, Grafton, Lismore, Murwillumbah, Taree, Tweed Heads and Yamba.
The bureau has also warned that damaging West to north-westerly winds, with gusts above 90km/h were expected in parts of the south east of NSW as a front crosses the state on Wednesday.
The winds are expected to develop from Wednesday morning, continuing through the afternoon, then easing during Wednesday evening.
Locations which may be affected include Wollongong, Nowra, Canberra, Goulburn, Bowral, Katoomba, Cooma, Braidwood and Bombala.
For up to date information, visit https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/ and https://www.bom.gov.au/
Originally published as NSW: Heatwave and strong winds prompt authorities to issue catastrophic fire warning
