A total fire ban is in effect for Sydney on Saturday, with the city set to reach up to 33 degrees just five days into spring.
An extreme fire danger has also been recorded for the region stretching from the coast to Mount Victoria, coming days after Sydney experienced its warmest winter in 167 years of records.
Sydney is forecast to record 27 degrees at noon on Saturday, stretching to 33 degrees by 1pm.
The Bureau of Meteorology said “fresh to strong and gusty northwesterly winds” were due to develop on Saturday morning, and, when combined with the “dry, unseasonably warm conditions”, would lead to elevated fire dangers across the city.
Fire bans are issued by authorities when hot, dry and windy weather conditions dramatically increase the risks of fires breaking out. No fires are allowed out in the open.
Electric barbecues are allowed to be used, and gas barbecues are only allowed to be used if they are being used by a responsible adult, no combustible material is within two metres, the operator has access to an “immediate and continuous” supply of water, and if they are being operated within 20 metres of a private dwelling or is in a designated picnic area approved by the relevant authority.
The fire danger rating is forecast to return to moderate over the coming days.
More to come
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