Total fire bans are in place in parts of NSW as the state swelters and residents are told to prepare for extreme fire conditions.
Most of the Riverina, in the state's southwest, is expected to experience temperatures in the mid 40s on Thursday, coupled with strong westerly winds of up to 60km/h.
Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons says the conditions are "awful".
"We are expecting extreme fire danger in and around the northern area (of the Riverina) and it is likely that we will see similar conditions tomorrow," Mr Fitzsimmons told AAP.
Three total fire bans have been declared in NSW in the northern, southern and eastern regions.
They will be reviewed on Thursday afternoon but are likely remain until Friday or until weather conditions ease.
"We will have cooler weather across Saturday and Sunday before possibly building once again into next week," Mr Fitzsimmons said.
With summer around the corner, families are being urged to prepare now.
"Summer is here. The fire service is here. Complacency kills. We can't afford to relax because we have had some rainfall in the last few weeks on here on the eastern seaboard," Mr Fitzsimmons told Network Seven on Thursday.
Sydneysiders are also bracing for several hot days, with temperatures expected to top 30 degrees on Thursday, climbing to 41 degrees in the city's west on Friday.
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