Firies on alert as temps set to hit 43C

Heatwave conditions predicted for NSW over coming days have put fire fighters on red
alert.
The state is set to swelter in temperatures of up to 43 degrees Celsius on Saturday.
And what had looked like rain on Sunday or Monday is now forecast as just cloud,
leaving the state even more vulnerable to bushfires, the Rural Fire Service (RFS)
says.
"Over the next 48 hours we're going to be experiencing some very difficult weather
conditions," a RFS spokesman told AAP on Thursday.
"We're looking at Friday being the worst day for us at the moment. But Saturday is
also looking very warm."
Gusty northwesterly winds across the state on Friday will add to the fire danger
that day, he added.
The Bureau of Meteorology says Sydney's west will reach tops of 40 on Friday before
climbing to 43 on Saturday.
Revellers at Sydney's Big Day Out, held at Homebush Bay, are among those set to
swelter.
Organisers of the two-day event are urging people to pack sun screen, hats and water.
Farmers are also predicted to be affected.
"Leafy vegetables are particularly vulnerable to the high temperatures," says
Richard Mulcahy, CEO of growers peak body Ausveg.
"Consumers may well notice some brown patches on lettuces and cabbages after the
heatwave, but it should only be superficial damage and underneath the outside layers
will be fine."
He said produce prices should not be affected.
High temperatures are also forecast for other inland areas of the state over the
next two days.
There will be no reprieve in central Sydney, where weekend temperatures are tipped
to reach 39.
Port Macquarie, Newcastle and Batemans Bay are all predicted to be slightly cooler
on Friday and Saturday.
Temperatures will dip very slightly in Sydney's west on Sunday and Monday before
climbing back to 36 on Tuesday and Wednesday, forecasters say.
Full fire warnings are due to be issued by the RFS on Thursday afternoon.