The northwest of the NT is under a Total Fire Ban today as fresh and gusty southeast winds cause severe fire danger. While summer may be the fire season in most other parts of Australia, in the north the dry months of winter are the most dangerous time. June and July are the driest months. Darwin, for example, averages a total of only 3mm during this time. This year Darwin received no rainfall in June, with only 0.2mm in July so far. These dry conditions have combined with gusty southeasterly winds in the past few days, leading to the issue of a Fire Weather Warning and Total Fire Ban for the northwest of the Darwin-Daly district. These conditions are likely to persist over the next week as a broad region of high pressure remains dominant over southern Australia, directing southeasterly winds over the Territory. The current Total Fire Ban lasts until 5am Sunday morning. Keep track of up to date weather warnings and information and fire bans on weatherzone.com.au