Fire weather continues into this weekend with numerous ‘Severe’ and an ‘Extreme’ Fire Danger Rating across NSW and QLD.

Following a dangerous week for northern and eastern NSW with numerous bushfires catching alight, the risk for much of the south and west of the state has been reduced following the passage of a cool southerly change last night. While there are still a number of bushfires still blazing in NSW, firefighters will benefit from the cooler airmass and possible showers along the coast.

The danger further north has, however, not passed yet, with SW/WSW winds this weekend bringing dangerous fire conditions to northern NSW and southeast QLD. This risk will further be increased by the chance of thunderstorms in the area.

In NSW, ‘Severe’ Fire Danger Ratings are in place for the New England, Northern Slopes, and North Western fire areas, while a ‘Very High’ rating is in place for Far North Coast area, along with Total Fire Bans across all these areas for Saturday. Keep up to date with all NSW bushfire information at: https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/

In QLD, a ‘Severe’ Fire Danger Rating is in place for the Darling Downs and Granite Belt Fire Area for today, Saturday. This rating will be increased to ‘Extreme’ for Sunday. Numerous ‘Very High’ Fire Danger Ratings are also in place across the state. Keep up to date will all QLD bushfire information at: https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/

Looking ahead, a very hot airmass is expected to move east into the region next week. This looks to bring hot, gusty, dry winds across much of NSW, and parts of QLD, which will most likely elevate fire danger significantly.