A total fire ban has been issued for large parts of New South Wales, with temperatures in the north-west set to push towards 40 degrees.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the mercury is set to reach 39 degrees in Warialda and Moree, while further south Tamworth is expected to max out at 37 degrees.
Strong westerly winds are also expected, with dust storms possible.
Seabreezes will keep conditions on the coast fractionally cooler, with Coffs Harbour expected to reach 31 degrees.
The dangerous conditions have forced the RFS to declare an ‘extreme’ fire danger rating for the north western region, while the Hunter, Northern Slopes, New England, North Coast and Far North Coast is listed at ‘severe’.
