Overview
- Sydney is forecast to reach the high 30s in the CBD and the low 40s in western suburbs as Saturday marks the peak of the event, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
- Extreme fire danger is in place across large parts of NSW, and total fire bans have been declared in nine regions including Greater Sydney, Greater Hunter and Illawarra/Shoalhaven.
- A bushfire near Bulahdelah burned at emergency level and shut the M1, with about 2,685 hectares scorched and local reports indicating up to four homes lost pending confirmation.
- Dangerous heat persists in northern Western Australia, with Fitzroy Crossing forecast to reach about 46C on Sunday and Monday.
- Authorities cite a hotter‑than‑normal seasonal outlook and warn of elevated bushfire risk, urging vulnerable people to seek cool refuges and limit heat exposure.