A heat trough is currently directing a hot airmass across several regions, including the interior of Western Australia, the northern parts of South Australia, western and central areas of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.  

Over the last few days, these hotter conditions, along with stronger and drier winds, have resulted in dozens of fires burning across the interior of New South Wales. This combination of hot conditions and dry, strong winds can bring high-to-extreme fire danger to the central and eastern areas of South Australia, western and central regions of Victoria (including Melbourne), and southeastern New South Wales today (Saturday 18th) and have prompted total fire bans.

The heat trough will move eastwards and affect the New South Wales tomorrow (Sunday 19th), bringing extreme temperatures for parts of eastern NSW, including the Sydney area, while a cooler change is expected over South Australia and Victoria. Therefore, the focus of fire danger tomorrow will be in New South Wales, likely reaching the High category I many areas and potentially Extreme in some depending how strong winds may be. 

For the next week, cooler conditions are expected over most parts of southeast Australia. As a result, the fire danger rating should decrease to moderate-high risk in these states. 

What exactly does a fire danger rating mean? 

Fire Danger Ratings (FDR) indicate how dangerous a fire could be and what actions to take at distinct levels of risk. FDR is a highly valuable tool to communicate bushfire risk to the community. It represents an efficient and clear message about public awareness and personal risk. 

The Australian Fire Danger Rating System (AFDRS) splits FDR to 4 categories: 

• Moderate: Plan and prepare 
• High: Prepare to act 
• Extreme: Take action now to protect your life and property. 
• Catastrophic: For your survival, leave bush fire risk areas. 

The first stage, Moderate (green), means most fires can be controlled. You should be ready to act if there is a fire. 

In the High (yellow) stage, fires can be dangerous. People must be alert for fires in their area. If a fire starts, your life and property may be at risk. The safest option is to avoid bushfire risk areas. 

For Extreme (orange) stage, fires will spread quickly and be extremely dangerous. If a fire starts, take immediate action. If you and your property are not prepared to the highest level, go to a safer location well before the fire impacts. Reconsider travel through bushfire risk areas. 

The Catastrophic (red) stage is the most dangerous condition for a fire, and lives are likely to be lost. For your survival, leave bushfire risk areas. Stay safe by going to a safer location early in the morning or the night before. Homes cannot withstand fires in these conditions. You may not be able to leave, and help may not be available. 

Stay tuned to the Weatherzone forecast and follow all warnings and advice from your local authorities. Stay safe and take care.