Another scorcher as hot windy conditions tipped to fan flames of bushfires
Firefighters are continuing to fight bushfires across NSW and SA and are bracing for hot and windy conditions that could potentially fan the flames.
The Royal National Park in Sydney's south will remain closed on Monday as emergency services continue to battle a blaze believed to have been deliberately lit.
The fire, which started on Saturday, has destroyed more than 1800 hectares of land and is being treated as suspicious with investigations under way, a NSW Police spokeswoman said.
Hundreds of hikers and tourists had to be rescued by boat as the blaze spread on Saturday but firefighters, with the help of a large air tanker, worked throughout Sunday to contain the fire.
Firefighters took advantage of easing conditions overnight to strengthen containment lines ahead of worsening conditions on Monday, the NSW Rural Fire Service said.
In Adelaide, a thunderstorm brought more than 7000 lightning strikes, sparking minor fires across the city.
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Those fires have since been controlled, but a severe fire weather warning remains in place for the North East Pastoral and Flinders forecast districts.
In the Southern Tablelands of NSW, a bushfire has burnt more than 1600 hectares at Bannaby, with firefighters working overnight to establish and strengthen containment lines.
The fire had increased in activity earlier on Sunday but conditions eased into the evening, allowing firefighters to downgrade the blaze.
Fireys are also paying close attention to a large bushfire at Dandry in the state's north that has burnt through more than 51,000 hectares.
The blaze, which is burning in the Pilliga Forest between Coonabarabran and Narrabri and to the east of Baradine, was downgraded on Sunday evening to advice level.
Total fire bans have been declared for the Southern Ranges, Central Ranges, Greater Hunter and Greater Sydney on Monday.
Adelaide is expecting a top of 31 degrees and Sydney is preparing for the mercury to tip 43 degrees in parts of the western suburbs and 33 degrees in the city, with hot and windy conditions.
In Brisbane, a top of 31 is expected with a chance of showers and the Bureau expects a humid day for Melbourne with a high of 26.
