Sydney: A total fire ban has been imposed across Greater Sydney and the Greater Hunter region as soaring temperatures, dry conditions and potentially damaging winds raise concerns over extreme bushfire danger in New South Wales (NSW).
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has warned that temperatures could reach 37°C in Sydney’s western suburbs, with Mount Druitt expected to experience some of the highest temperatures by around 2 pm.
According to the bureau, temperatures across Sydney will remain well above the October average, with areas from north of Newcastle to Wollongong forecast to reach 34°C to 36°C before a cooler change arrives later in the afternoon.
BoM senior meteorologist Angus Hines described the conditions as among the hottest experienced in several months. He noted that temperatures reaching 37°C would be approximately 10 to 11 degrees above the seasonal average, potentially making Sydney’s hottest day since February.
A Total Fire Ban is in place today, Monday 12 October for the Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter areas. Hot and windy conditions are forecast across parts of the state, increasing the fire danger. More info on Total Fire Ban rules on the #RFS website https://t.co/4CXgpBUo1n https://t.co/zq3wqEFD1q
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) October 11, 2026
Fire restrictions and emergency warnings
The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has enforced a total fire ban across Greater Sydney and Greater Hunter, prohibiting outdoor fires, solid-fuel barbecues and activities involving open flames or sparks, including grinding and welding.
NSW RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin urged residents to exercise extreme caution throughout the day, warning that the combination of high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds could significantly increase the risk of bushfires.
Authorities are particularly concerned about thunderstorms forecast across large parts of NSW, as limited rainfall could result in dry lightning strikes capable of igniting fires in western and central regions of the state.
Despite the heightened threat, Curtin stated that favourable weather conditions earlier in the year had enabled firefighters to make considerable progress with hazard reduction burning, helping reduce potential fuel loads in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain highlighted the rollout of Australia’s AusAlert emergency warning system, designed to deliver location-based alerts directly to compatible mobile phones during emergencies.
The system allows phones to sound an alarm and receive warning messages without relying on a single telecommunications provider. Victoria and Western Australia are currently the two states that have signed on to the initiative.
Climate concerns with rising temperatures
The latest heatwave follows Australia’s second-hottest September on record, with the strengthening El Niño weather pattern contributing to unusually warm conditions across the country. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, average September temperatures ranked among the five highest on record in every Australian state.
Climate scientist Dr. Linden Ashcroft has identified climate change as a major factor behind the rising temperatures, while meteorologists warn that El Niño could further intensify both daytime and nighttime heat in the coming months.
Hines cautioned that Australians should prepare for more unusually hot days ahead as the country moves toward the summer season, with prolonged periods of high temperatures potentially increasing bushfire risks.
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