While the southern states battle the wintry chills, it will be another hot and sunny day for the Northern Territory capital, as punters head to Fanny Bay Racecourse to watch the annual Darwin Cup.

Darwin Cup Day is a melting pot of stifling heat (after all is it the dry season), horse racing and fashion on the field. About 40,000 racegoers will converge in the NT capital showcasing their best frocks today.

Despite daytime temperatures reaching the mid-30s today, a dry and gusty southerly wind will bring some reprieve for those attending the event.  A relative humidity of less than 20% will make it feel more like high-20s for most of the afternoon.

These dry and gusty winds, however, will also bring a very high fire danger rating to the Northern Fire protection Area.

A sea-breeze will kick in later this afternoon just in time for the the main race, increasing the humidity and discomfort levels. As temperatures continue to drop in the evening, humidity levels will continue to increase. By this time, Darwinites would most probably have found shelter in the Darwin Yacht Club or along the many establishments of Mitchell Street, for the post carnival celebrations.