Twenty schools have shut over a serious bushfire risk sparked by a scorching heatwave in New South Wales.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast hot and dry windy conditions with temperatures expected to hit 40 degrees from Friday into Saturday.
Consequently, a total fire ban was enacted today for the Lower Central West Plains, Southern Riverina, Northern Riverina and South Western area.
The NSW Department of Education confirmed the following schools were forced to close today:
- Barellan Central School
- Binya Public School
- Clare Public School
- Coleambally Central School
- Darlington Point Public School
- Edward Public School
- Goolgowi Public School
- Hillston Central School
- Lake Wyangan Public School
- Narrandera East Infants School
- Narrandera High School
- Palinyewah Public School
- Pooncarie Public School
- Rankins Springs Public School
- Tharbogang Public School
- Wamoon Public School
- Whitton-Murrami Public School
- Yanco Public School
- Yenda Public School
- Yoogali Public School
An extreme fire danger warning was issued for those in the Northern Riverina and Southern Western areas of Balranald, Wentworth, Carrathool, Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Narrandera and northern parts of Murrumbidgee.
Forecasters are also expecting thunderstorms with minimal to no rainfall and dry lightning.
Residents in those areas have been urged to take action immediately to protect their lives and properties.
Most remaining parts of the state are blanketed with a low-intensity to severe heatwave.
Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast are anticipated to feel low 30 degree temperatures today before sweltering through low to mid forties on Saturday.
The mercury is expected to drop in all areas by Sunday.
Wollongong is forecast to hit 29 degrees today and 39 degrees on Saturday before cooling to 24 on Sunday.
NSW Health are urging residents across the state to keep cool and stay hydrated this week through their tips here.
