Firefighers are warning of dangerous fire conditions across many parts of New South Wales, with extreme heat forecast over the next few days.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) forecaster Olenka Duma, said there would be widespread heatwave conditions with temperatures reaching the mid-40s over many inland areas and high 30s along the coast at the weekend.

“It is going to be very hot, particularly over the next couple of days,” she said.

NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said severe and extreme fire danger was expected in widespread areas, and there was the potential for catastrophic fire danger in the Hunter region on Sunday.

“We will start to see fire dangers increase across southern NSW on Friday. On Saturday, temperatures and winds will pick up, meaning an increased fire danger extending across much of the state,” he said.

“On Sunday, winds will continue to strengthen. If the forecast eventuates we’re likely to see catastrophic fire danger develop in some areas, including the Hunter.”

Ms Duma said the heatwave was building up in NSW after parts of Australia’s south and east sweltered through 40-degree-plus temperatures yesterday,

“We had a stationary mid-level ridge over central Australia which is causing this build up of heat over the last month, this weekend we have an approaching front which will drag that hot air down from central Australia across New South Wales over the next few days.”

Power supply at record demand

Energy and Utilities Minister Don Harwin said the state was bracing for record power demand, with the peak expected between about 4:30pm and 6:30pm.

He called on the public to help reduce the load on electricity demand.

“Where you can, please do your best to save energy — turn up your air con to 26 degrees, adjust fridge temperatures, switch off unused electrical appliances and turn off lights where it’s safe to do so,” he said.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) issued a market notice warning generators in NSW of a shortfall in electricity from 5:30pm.

Sydney to swelter over weekend

MS Duma said Sydney and in particular western Sydney would see very hot conditions over the weekend.

“We are expecting temperatures ranging from 38-45 degrees Celsius over the next couple of days,” she said.

“Sydney City itself at Observatory Hill will be a little bit cooler under the influence of a late sea breeze Friday and Saturday.

“Western Sydney will remain very hot with temperatures of 44 and 45 degrees expected on Friday and Saturday and continuing into Sunday we are expecting a top of 41 degrees.”

Take care in the #heatwave & stay aware of local conditions. Max today: #Sydney 39, #Penrith 44, #Bourke 44, #Canberra 41, #Newcastle 34

— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) February 9, 2017

The town of Hay in the state’s western Riverina region is expected to see highs of 47C on Friday and 46C on Saturday.

The NSW RFS warned residents living in fire prone areas to prepare now in case of an emergency.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons said conditions would be reviewed regularly.

“Firefighters from the NSW RFS, Fire & Rescue NSW, National Parks & Wildlife Service and Forestry Corporation of NSW, are well prepared,” he said.

“While they are very well trained, skilled and dedicated, we also need the community to be prepared.”

Heat stress, dehydration are a real risk

NSW Health has urged people to stay out of the heat as much as possible and ensure they stay well hydrated, especially though the hottest parts of the day.

“Drink plenty of fluids, that doesn’t involve alcohol or caffeine. Water is best,” the department’s Ben Scully said.

NSW emergency authorities are preparing for three days of intense heat.

“If you have air-conditioning it’s great to use it otherwise keep your house cool by drawing the blinds and shutting the windows.”

Dr Scully said heat stress was not the only condition attributed to heatwaves, with people also presenting with “heart attacks and mental health-related issues”.

He also flagged that young children and the elderly were not the only ones vulnerable on days of extreme temperature.

“What we have been seeing over the past few weeks is that everyone is at risk and even young, otherwise healthy males have been coming at higher rates to emergency departments,” Dr Scully said.

“So the message there really is that everyone is at risk of heatwaves and everyone has to take the advice.”

– ABC