Sydney under total fire ban as 37°C heat and dry lightning push fire danger to extreme

Why it matters

The NSW Rural Fire Service has declared a total fire ban across Greater Sydney and the Greater Hunter for Monday, October 12, as temperatures soar well above average. Sydney's CBD is forecast to reach 35°C — the city's highest since February and nearly 14°C above average — while Mount Druitt in the west could hit 37°C. The fire danger rating for Greater Sydney has been set at extreme, the second-highest level; the Greater Hunter is rated high.

The Bureau of Meteorology said Sydney faces extreme fire danger from hot, dry conditions and the chance of thunderstorms with little rainfall. Temperatures will hover between 34°C and 36°C from north of Newcastle to Wollongong before a change later in the afternoon, with potentially damaging winds and storms expected around 5 PM. RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin told ABC radio that dry lightning starting fires in the west and central parts of NSW "is going to be a real problem," urging people to take care all day.

Under the total fire ban, outdoor fires, solid-fuel barbecues and activities such as grinding and welding are prohibited; electric and gas barbecues may be used under certain conditions. Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain on Monday touted the rollout of the national emergency alert system AusAlert. Curtin said the RFS had completed more hazard-reduction burning this year than in prior years thanks to favourable conditions.

Sources: Australian media reports, October 12, 2026; see europesays.com/australia/118642/ and /118792/.