Weather News

Warning for severe winds and high temperatures across the State

Fire authorities are warning people to have their bushfire plans ready with severe winds and high temperatures forecast across much of the state today.

A total fire ban is in place with authorities fearing winds gusts of up to 100 kilometres-an-hour will pose a serious bushfire risk.

The wild weather is forecast to develop in the Western and Alpine districts in the morning and then extend to the Illawarra and Central Tablelands by midday.

It's expected to hit Sydney then move north by mid-afternoon and early evening.

Rural Fire Service Spokesman Brendan Doyle says people need to take extreme care.

"Any fire that may occur has the potential to spread quickly and prove quite challenging for fire fighters," he said.

He says people need to take notice of the fire ban.

"This means that there will be no lighting of fires in the open, anyone wishing to do pile burns or their own hazard reduction that will not happen today and anyone wanting to use a BBQ - it must be a gas or electric BBQ and you must have a water constant supply nearby."


- ABC

© ABC 2012

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