NSW is in for another scorching week, with temperatures set to reach the mid 40’s across the state.
Towns in the state’s west will be the worst affected, with tops of 46 degrees Celsius expected today in Wilcannia, Ivanhoe and Menindee.
But a cool southerly sweeping through on Tuesday will see the mercury drop nearly 10 degrees into the 30's, to bring a little relief for a few days, before the low 40’s return on the weekend.
The Riverina will experience a similar weather change, with Wagga Wagga sweating through 42 degrees today, but expecting a more temperate 35 degrees tomorrow and 30 degrees on Wednesday.
Central and northern parts of the state will continue to ride the heat wave til week’s end though, with no cool change in sight.
Up in the state’s north-west, the town of Bourke is expected to average 44.9 degrees across the next seven days, which would make it the hottest week recorded since 1939.
Down in the Hunter Region, Cessnock has already broken the previous record of five summer days above 40 degrees - and is set to double it, with another four days above 40 forecast for this week.
As the state swelters, concerns have been heightened as the risk of bushfires has increased.
According to the Rural Fire Service (RFS), there are currently 29 fires burning across the state, with 12 yet to be contained.
The most concerning blaze is 30 kilometres west of Parkes near Blowclear, and has already burnt 40 hectares of bush and farm land.
Fire crews are on the ground battling the fire, with the assistance of aircraft, who are helping to contain the blaze.
Total fire bans are in place in many areas across the state, and with the weather showing no sign of relenting, Greg Allen of the RFS is urging people living in risk areas to be careful.
“In these hot, dry, windy weather conditions, everyone needs to be vigilant and have a fire escape plan in place,” he says.
“Remember to always report unattended fires, even if you think someone has already done it.”
Despite the dry conditions and multiple fires, there are currently no properties under direct threat from the blazes and the RFS believes fire conditions will improve slightly later in the week.
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