GAV’S WEATHER | HEATWAVE IS HERE, AND A COOL CHANGE FOR CHRISTMAS

There are extremely hot and dry conditions across most of the nation, as the pool of hot air grows in size and temperature.

These high temperatures have settled in for the rest of the week and are set to break numerous records, especially for the Hunter Valley.

The heat will reach coastal towns from Gosford to Taree, and onshore ocean winds will fan the remainder of the coast, capping off temperatures.

The heatwave is set to ease at Christmas, with showers and storms set to develop on Christmas Day.

There are Total Fire Bans for all of NSW for the next four consecutive days.