# Climate and fire risk in the Hunter region

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/climate-and-fire-risk-in-the-hunter-region
> Updated: 2026-09-20T21:20:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

The Hunter region has entered a period of high temperatures and low rainfall following one of its warmest winters on record. Early spring forecasts indicated below-average rainfall and unusually warm conditions, which contributed to drying out fuels across New South Wales.

Water storage levels for Hunter Water were reported at 71.9 per cent, a decrease of 15.5 per cent compared to the previous year, as several areas recorded significant rainfall deficits.

By late September, extreme fire danger forecasts led to the issuance of a total fire ban for the Greater Hunter region. The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) implemented the ban for Monday, September 21, covering multiple local councils including Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Cessnock, Port Stephens, Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, and the Upper Hunter. The ban was prompted by the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting warm, dry, and windy conditions, with temperatures reaching up to 34 degrees Celsius in Singleton and Dungog.

By Monday morning, a bushfire in the Medowie area of Port Stephens had already burned through more than 111 hectares. Under the total fire ban, all existing fire permits are suspended, and residents are prohibited from lighting or maintaining open fires. Restrictions also apply to hot works, such as welding or grinding, and cooking restrictions prohibit wood and charcoal barbecues, though gas or electric barbecues may be used under strict safety constraints. RFS crews remain on standby to combat potential fires and strengthen containment lines.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-20: Greater Hunter region under total fire ban amid extreme danger

A total fire ban is in effect across Australia's Greater Hunter region due to extreme fire danger, high temperatures, and active bushfires in areas like Medowie.

9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greater-hunter-region-issued-total-fire-ban

### 2026-09-01: Hunter region faces warm spring and low rainfall

The Hunter region faces warm temperatures and below-average rainfall following a record-warm winter, raising concerns over water storage levels and bushfire risks in New South Wales.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hunter-region-faces-warm-spring-and-low-rainfall

---
Cite as: Climate and fire risk in the Hunter region. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/climate-and-fire-risk-in-the-hunter-region