THE first day of summer will arrive with a total fire ban for Bathurst - and a maximum temperature 10 degrees above the long-term December average.
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Hot weather, strong winds and lightning strikes combined to cause problems for NSW Rural Fire Service crews across the region over the weekend and, following a brief respite, RFS Chifley-Lithgow Zone operations manager Brett Taylor says conditions are set to worsen again.
"We have a very high fire danger for our area and, as expected, a total fire ban is in place," he said.
"Brigades have been notified and crews are alert to the situation."
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Bathurst is forecast to reach 36 degrees on Tuesday, Orange 34 and Dubbo 44.
Orana RFS acting district manager Bronwyn Waters said their crews were also ready for any outbreaks after a busy weekend.
"We had a substantial fire over the weekend at Black Rock, east of Wellington, which is now contained, and crews will continue to monitor the area," she said.
"Ahead of another wave of hot temperatures and strong winds, most commands will be on very high fire danger alert and all crews are on standby."
Aircraft are set to do reconnaissance across the western region to monitor the situation and Ms Waters said further assistance is available if needed.
"We have an RJ or large air tanker on standby at Dubbo airport ready with crew if needed, and we have also contacted heavy plant operators to see who is available," she said.
Canobolas Zone operations officer Brett Bowden said that while smaller fires due to lightning strike and rural activity are normal for this time of year, the level of vegetation is a concern.
"The difference this year compared to the past few years is due to the good rain we've had recently and the large fuel load, which is much bigger than previous years due to the drought," he said.
"Grass is drying off quickly after a warmer than normal November and while it will be a challenging period, we are prepared.
"Brigades across most zones are effectively on standby and we are encouraging everyone to be aware of conditions and adhere to any fire bans in place."
Bathurst's long-term average maximum for December is 26.5 degrees and the long-term average minimum is 11.2.
