A BOUT of record-breaking late-spring heat has spilled into summer, raising the threat of fires now and in the weeks ahead.
Despite La Nina being active in the Pacific Ocean in recent months, a lack of rain-bearing cold fronts and low pressure troughs saw NSW remain unusually warm and dry in November.
The state as a whole registered its driest November in 18 years.
NSW also had its warmest November in six years based on the state's monthly mean temperature, which is calculated by combining overnight minimums and daytime maximums across the state throughout the month.
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November was a perfect example of how unusually warm and dry months can still happen during La Nina events.
While La Nina lifts the likelihood of wetter and cooler weather in eastern Australia, it doesn't guarantee it every month.
In November, abnormally high pressure over northern and eastern Australia limited the moisture-laden air flowing over NSW.
It also enhanced the strength of north-westerly winds over central Australia, which helped transport hot and dry air into NSW.
Towards the end of November, NSW set new day and night time heat records for spring. Smithville's 46.9 degrees last Saturday was the highest temperature ever reliably recorded in NSW during spring.
The next morning, a weather station to the east of Wanaaring (Delta AWS) registered a minimum temperature of 33.8 degrees, which was the highest minimum ever recorded in NSW during spring.
This exceptional heat has persisted into the opening days of summer in northern NSW, with Brewon (near Walgett) reaching 48 degrees on Monday.
The past week's heat caused elevated fire danger ratings in a number of districts, particularly west of the ranges where swathes of dry grass are now facing searing summer heat.
With each hot day, the land and vegetation becomes even drier, further heightening the risk of fires.
Fortunately, La Nina is still in place and despite the anomalously dry and hot November, the odds still favour above average rain and below average daytime heat in NSW.
But it's worth keeping in mind that it is still summer and there will still be hot days and fires.
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