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A total fire ban has been declared for Sydney, the Hunter and Illawarra with temperatures expected to reach the mid-30s on Wednesday, as residents in western NSW face the first catastrophic fire warning issued in the state for over two years.
An extreme danger warning has also been issued for Greater Sydney and nine other regions, with the fire bans covering much of the eastern and central regions of NSW.
Total fire bans have been declared in 11 areas across the state on Wednesday, including in the Central West where a catastrophic warning has been issued.Credit: NSW Rural Fire Service
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Sarah Scully said Wednesday would be Sydney’s “peak day” for fire danger, where wind gusts and dry heat are expected to create dangerous conditions.
“Driving that is particularly strong and gusty winds, and a really dry air mass,” Scully said.
“Very windy conditions will exacerbate fire danger.”
The greatest risk is in the Lower Central West Plains region, including Dubbo, home to some 43,000 people, where a catastrophic warning urging residents to evacuate has been issued.
The warning also includes the towns of Forbes, Parkes and Wellington, where residents have been told to evacuate and to stay away from farms and paddocks.
The bureau has forecast highs of 37 degrees for the region on Wednesday, with winds of up to 50km/h and low humidity fuelling the prospect of a devastating fire.
People cooled off in a Penrith river last month, as temperatures reached 39 degrees in Sydney’s west.Credit: Wolter Peeters
It’s the first catastrophic warning – the most dangerous fire warning that can be declared – issued since September 2023.
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A cold front passing through Victoria and Tasmania is responsible for the windy and dry conditions, which Scully said could also be buoyed by “dry lightning” forecast for some parts of NSW.
“There are a number of wildfires going on at the moment,” Scully said. “Extreme to catastrophic fire conditions make them very difficult to control and contain.”
Large towns, shopping centres and other built-up facilities are among the safer areas the Rural Fire Service recommends for those evacuating their homes.
Extreme conditions are also forecast for Sydney on Thursday, when the mercury is expected to again tip into the 30s.
Warm weather for Sydney is expected to return on Saturday, when the mercury is expected to again tip into the mid-30s.
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