As temperatures continue to climb, Penrith braces for a scorching 41 degrees, while Sydney’s central business district anticipates a high of 39 degrees.

The Bureau of Meteorology warns that a combination of hot, dry weather and strong winds from the west to northwest will heighten the risk of fires in central and northern New South Wales.

Later in the day, a shift in wind direction to the west and southwest is expected.

“We’re facing extreme conditions statewide today, characterized by very strong winds, soaring temperatures, and low humidity,” stated NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Trent Curtin.

“Our concern is significant as these conditions may lead to fires igniting quickly.”

“In the Hunter region, we’ve already been battling major fires that intensified yesterday and continued through the night.”

The RFS has said that it is currently too dangerous to assess the damage of the blaze, however, they are expected to do so later this morning.

Overnight conditions in that area have not been ideal, so officials have warned that the fire could potentially ramp up again today.

“We’ve got extreme conditions in seven areas and total fire bans in nine areas,” Curtin said.

Extreme fire danger is forecast in the Greater Hunter, Greater Sydney Region, Illawarra/Shoalhaven, Central Ranges, North Western, Upper Central West Plains and Lower Central West Plains.

Severe heatwave warnings are in place for the Hunter, Metropolitan, Illawarra, South Coast, Central Tablelands and Southern Tablelands regions.

“So right through Sydney, Illawarra, Newcastle and through the central parts of the state, we’ve got extreme fire danger, but we’ve got high fire danger right across the state.”

This afternoon is expected to bring strong winds before a cooler change is forecast to come later this weekend.