This decision was made by the NSW RFS Cudgegong District in conjunction with land managers across the region in light of the predicted weather and the ongoing dry conditions.

Residents and landholders are reminded that there are significant penalties for anyone found to be lighting a fire during the fire danger period while permits are suspended.

On Saturday, Mudgee is forecast to hit 33°C, Gulgong 34°C, and Rylstone/Kandos 28°C – all of which will be the hottest September days recorded at the respective weather stations if it comes to pass.

According to Weatherzone.com.au unusually intense September heat will sweep across NSW this weekend ahead of a dry and gusty change, elevating fire danger ratings across the parched state.

The first month of spring has been notably dry in NSW, continuing a trend of below average rainfall that was experienced during winter. 

Most of NSW has received less than 20 per cent of the average September rainfall during the first 20 days of this month.

This dry start to spring in NSW comes off the back of the state's driest winter in 15 years and the ninth driest winter on record. It was also the third warmest winter on record in NSW based on maximum temperatures.

The highest temperatures this weekend are expected to occur in the state's northwest, where Tibooburra, Bourke, Walgett and Wanaaring are forecast to reach 37-39°C on Saturday – with a good chance that somewhere in this region will reach 40°C on Saturday.

The unseasonably hot air will become confined to northeast NSW on Sunday as milder westerlies lower temperatures across the rest of the state.

Visit the NSW RFS website: rfs.nsw.gov.au, for fire permit information call Cudgegong Fire Control Centre on (02) 6372 4434.