NSW issues first total fire ban of season as wintry blast sweeps parts of the state

Wild weather is forecast to batter the state on Friday, as families prepare to go on school holidays, the Bureau of Meteorology said.

“Parts of NSW and the ACT will receive a wintry blast on Friday, as a cold trough moves through. This could impact travellers at the start of the school holidays,” the BOM said in a statement.

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While Sydney will reach a top of 25C on Friday, there are strong wind warnings in place for coastal areas and snow is likely to fall in lowland regions like Oberon and Orange.

A vigorous cold front will also move across the city about 4pm, bringing possible showers and thunderstorms.

The BOM said the weather system could bring snow to low-lying areas as well as damaging winds hail.

The wintry cold snap comes as the NSW RFS issued the first total fire ban of the season for the far north coast with five areas facing very high fire danger ratings.

“Due to warm, dry and windy conditions the first total fire ban will be in place for the 2020/21 fire season,” the organisation said.

“Very high fire danger is forecast for north east NSW on Friday with a total fire ban to be in force for the far north coast.”

A “very high” fire danger rating has also been issued for New England, Northern Slopes, Greater Hunter and the North Coast.

The NSW RFS reminded people to determine their bushfire survival plan as warmer weather approaches.

Last summer was one of the worst bushfire seasons on record with 34 people dead, homes and businesses destroyed and billions of animals perished.

The BOM is expected to address the media later on Monday with more information.

More to come

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