Temperatures across NSW are expected to be high and dry today with our first total fire ban Now in place for 2019.
NSW Rural Fire Service has declared a statewide total fire ban with hot, dry and windy conditions predicted that could result in bushfires and dust storms.
A statewide Total Fire Ban has been declared for tomorrow, Tuesday 12 Feb 2019, due to hot, dry and very windy conditions across NSW. There are difficult and dangerous fire conditions tomorrow so ask yourself: When will you leave, what will you take and where will you go? #NSWRFS pic.twitter.com/vKdmCBa1cV
— NSW RFS (@NSWRFS) February 11, 2019
The fire ban covers all NSW Local Government Areas with most of Sydney, including the city and east, forecast to reach a top of 37 today.
Things are expected to get even hotter out in our west with a whopping 40 degrees predicted for some areas.
These temperatures paired with strong winds have elevated the fire risk across the state.
Dry winds in the state’s drought-affected west could also bring dust storms out towards the east.
This animation shows elevated fire danger tomorrow (Tue) as a front brings strong, gusty winds to southern and western parts & heat spikes. A gusty southerly change will move up the southern coast, reaching Sydney ~midnight Tue/Wed. See https://t.co/HaQrNPzBsh; follow advice… pic.twitter.com/xviqVbfCZV
— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) February 11, 2019
Relief from the heatwave won’t come until about midnight when a cool change moves up the South Coast and reaches the city.
Under a total fire ban, no fires may be lit in the open and all fire permits are suspended.
The NSW Rural Fire Service have advised residents to remain vigilant and know what your Bush Fire Survival Plan. Their advice is that leaving early in the day under extreme fire conditions is the safest option.
To keep up to date with information from the NSW RFS listen to local news and monitor www.rfs.nsw.gov.au.
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