Thunderstorms hit Sydney as parts of NSW face fire danger
- admin928749
- Nov 26
- 2 min read
New South Wales is facing its most dangerous fire conditions in more than two years, with soaring temperatures, strong winds and fast-moving thunderstorms putting communities on high alert.
More than 20 schools across central NSW were closed on Wednesday after the Rural Fire Service issued a catastrophic fire danger warning for the lower central west. This level of alert has not been issued in the state since September 2023.
Sydney was forecast to hit 36°C, while temperatures in Bourke were expected to climb above 40°C.
By midday, the Bureau of Meteorology warned of severe thunderstorms moving toward Sydney, bringing the risk of damaging winds and large hail.
Areas from Richmond and St Marys through to Parramatta, Hornsby, Cessnock and Branxton were in the storm path.
Communities in Dubbo, Parkes and Forbes were told to reconsider travel, avoid bushland and prepare plans to leave early if fires threaten.
Millions across NSW, including metropolitan Sydney, were under extreme fire danger, with wind gusts above 90km/h expected across southern NSW and parts of Victoria.
The Bureau of Meteorology said storms were possible all along the east coast, adding to already unstable weather.
Large areas of Queensland remain under intense heatwave conditions, with temperatures 6–10 degrees above the November average.
The NSW Rural Fire Service said the mix of high heat, low humidity, strong winds and dry vegetation meant fires could ignite easily and spread quickly.
Homes in catastrophic danger zones may not be defendable.
By Wednesday morning, 24 bush and grass fires were burning across the state, with peak conditions expected between 1.30pm and 6pm.
Authorities urged residents to stay informed, follow emergency updates and make fire survival plans.
“Leaving early is always the safest choice when catastrophic fire danger is declared,” officials warned.
Fire bans are in place across much of NSW, with elevated danger also affecting southern Queensland.
The heightened alerts come after a tragic start to the bushfire season. A 30-year veteran firefighter, Peter Curtis, died on Sunday fighting a blaze in South Australia.
In Tasmania, a bushfire near the Curries River reservoir has been burning since Saturday, with residents advised to monitor conditions closely.
Source : The Guardian
More updates to come on AusNewsLanka.
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