Authorities have imposed a total fire ban across greater Sydney and the Hunter region as extreme heat and dry thunderstorms create a high bushfire risk. The Bureau of Meteorology warned that hot, dry conditions will push temperatures to 37C in the city’s west by 2pm on Monday.

Heat will stay between 34C and 36C from north of Newcastle down to Wollongong. Forecasters expect severe thunderstorms across New South Wales, but little actual rain. The lack of moisture means dry lightning is likely to spark fires in the western and central parts of the state.

The NSW Rural Fire Service banned outdoor fires, solid fuel barbecues, grinding, and welding across the affected zones. Commissioner Trent Curtin stressed that residents should avoid open flames during the peak danger period. “We don’t think we’re going to see a whole lot of rain with that today, so that dry lightning starting fires out in the west and through the middle parts of NSW is going to be a real problem.”

Firefighters have reduced fuel loads ahead of the heatwave. Curtin noted that favorable weather this year allowed crews to complete more hazard reduction burns than in previous seasons.

Emergency officials are also expanding early warning systems. Federal emergency management minister Kristy McBain highlighted the upcoming rollout of the AusAlert system, which sends direct text messages and alarms to compatible phones during nearby disasters. “That will get much better protection for communities who are experiencing disaster,” McBain said. Only Victoria and Western Australia have joined the network so far.

The current heatwave follows Australia’s second hottest September on record. A strengthening El Niño pattern pushed state averages into the top five for the month. Climate scientist Dr Linden Ashcroft attributed the extreme temperatures directly to long-term climate change.