Severe to Catastrophic fire danger ratings are likely in parts of the Northern Territory today as Darwin experiences rare August heat.

High pressure ridges over central and eastern Australia are directing a stream of hot, dry, and blustery winds over northern districts of the Northern Territory today. These conditions are creating a dangerous mix of fire weather.

Fire danger ratings could reach catastrophic, the highest possible category, in parts of the Darwin and Adelaide River forecast area today. Ratings were already reaching the Extreme category in some areas by 2pm. A warning for severe fire danger has also been issued in the Carpentaria, Gregory, Daly South, and Arnhem West forecast areas and the Northern and Katherine Fire Protection Areas.

The hot winds had pushed the temperature at Darwin Airport up to 35.6 degrees shortly before 2pm. This was the site's third day at or above 35 degrees so far this week, which is a new record for August. The heat helped Darwin Airport register a fire danger rating of 75 (Extreme) shortly after 1pm, which is the site's highest level in at least 15 years.

Severe fire danger ratings are likely to continue affecting multiple districts in the Northern Territory on Friday before winds ease during the weekend.