# Australian bushfire risk and extreme weather > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/australian-bushfire-risk-and-extreme-weather > Updated: 2026-09-06T05:49:24.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3. Australia entered the spring season facing warmer and drier conditions driven by El Niño weather patterns. The Bureau of Meteorology predicted above-average temperatures, particularly in southern regions, alongside below-average rainfall for parts of the east and southwest. This climate outlook led the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council to warn of heightened bushfire risks across several states due to dry conditions and increased fuel loads. By early September, the situation intensified as Sydney experienced an unseasonably intense heatwave, with temperatures reaching approximately 13C above the seasonal average. Driven by a gusty north-westerly airstream, these conditions prompted authorities to issue a total fire ban for the Greater Sydney region. The NSW Rural Fire Service suspended all fire permits in response to the extreme fire danger caused by high temperatures, low humidity, and strong wind gusts. As of September 4, temperatures in Sydney are forecast to reach 33 degrees Celsius, with extreme fire danger recorded from the coast to Mount Victoria. By September 6, the heatwave expanded across eastern Australia. In Brisbane, temperatures reached 34.4°C, marking the city’s hottest September day since 2019, while Amberley recorded 35.7°C. Heightened bushfire risks have led to local fire bans in several regions, including the Sydney metropolitan area and parts of Queensland, such as Ipswich and the Lockyer Valley. Emergency services have responded to active incidents, including a fast-moving bushfire near the Warrego Highway that prompted evacuation preparations for residents in Plainland. While severe weather warnings for strong winds remain in effect across southeastern Australia, meteorologists expect temperatures to decrease in the coming days. ## Claims - An extreme fire danger has been recorded for the region from the coast to Mount Victoria. (disputed by 3 sources) - The bushfire risk level has been classified as ‘extreme’, the second highest rating. (disputed by 3 sources) - A total fire ban has been declared for Greater Sydney. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Sydney is forecast to reach temperatures of up to 33 degrees Celsius on Saturday. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The expected temperature is nearly 13 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average. (corroborated by 14 sources) - An intense El Niño phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean is contributing to warmer and drier conditions. (corroborated by 9 sources) - Fresh to strong and gusty northwesterly winds are expected to develop on Saturday morning. (corroborated by 4 sources) - All fire permits are suspended and no fires may be lit in the open during the total fire ban. (single source) - El Nino conditions have established a high potential for a challenging summer with above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall. (single source) - Hazard reduction burns were carried out in Sydney’s north on Friday. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Australia eastern states face high bushfire risk amid extreme heat Unseasonably high spring temperatures have triggered fire bans and bushfire warnings across eastern Australia, with record-breaking heat reported in Brisbane and Sydney. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-eastern-states-face-high-bushfire-risk-amid-extreme-heat ### 2026-09-04: Sydney faces extreme fire danger amid unseasonable spring heatwave Sydney faces an extreme fire danger and a total fire ban as unseasonable spring heat reaches 33°C, driven by El Niño and strong winds. 23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sydney-declares-total-fire-ban-amid-extreme-heat-and-wind ### 2026-08-31: Australia faces warm, dry spring and increased bushfire risk Australia faces a warmer and drier spring due to El Niño, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting above-average temperatures and increased bushfire risks across several states. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-faces-heightened-bushfire-risk-and-warm-spring --- Cite as: Australian bushfire risk and extreme weather. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/australian-bushfire-risk-and-extreme-weather