New South Wales is experiencing a dramatic and dangerous split in weather conditions, with uncontrolled bushfires threatening parts of the state while unseasonal snow blankets alpine regions, leading to multiple hiker rescues.
Extreme Fire Danger Grips Multiple Regions
The Bureau of Meteorology issued a fresh fire weather warning on Monday, citing warm, dry conditions combined with gusty west to southwesterly winds. In response, the NSW Rural Fire Service has declared an extreme fire danger level for the greater Hunter region.
A total fire ban is currently in effect for the local government areas of Cessnock, Dungog, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Port Stephens, Singleton, and the Upper Hunter. The state's northwestern region, including Moree Plains, Narrabri, Walgett, and the Warrumbungles, is also under a total fire ban due to a high fire danger rating. The Greater Sydney Region is facing a high fire danger risk as well.
By midday Monday, the NSW RFS was reporting 27 bush and grass fires burning across the state. One fire, near Genowlan Rd in Glen Alice, approximately 45km north of Lithgow, was listed as burning out of control.
"The fire has burnt more than 60ha and is not yet controlled," the NSW RFS stated, urging nearby residents to monitor official warnings and to "leave early" if they are not prepared to defend their properties.
Alpine Rescues as Snow Surprises the South
In a stark contrast, the state's south has been hit by an unseasonably cold snap. A strong cold front pushed gusty winds to the east coast, bringing snowfall to the Snowy Mountains. Weatherzone recorded wind gusts of up to 96km/h at Cabramurra, and cameras at Thredbo captured fresh snow cover.
This abrupt change in conditions led to three separate rescue missions for hikers in the Kosciuszko National Park over the weekend. On Saturday, Monaro Police District officers coordinated a multi-agency search for a 33-year-old man who was found to be without appropriate equipment, clothing, provisions, or experience.
Later that evening, around 7pm, a rescue mission was launched near Mullers Pass and Mt Townsend after a 53-year-old man activated his personal location beacon. While assisting that hiker, the SES Alpine Rescue team noticed a separate "SOS signal" which led them to another two lost hikers.
Authorities Issue Stern Warnings
Following the spate of incidents, Monaro Police have issued a strong warning to the public. They advise people to "not venture out if severe or deteriorating weather is forecast." Hikers are urged to carry sufficient food, water, equipment, and first aid supplies, and to dress appropriately for the forecast conditions.
Police also emphasised the importance of trip planning: "Keep to your planned route and let a trusted family member or friend know when you are due home, and tell them to alert police if you do not arrive at the nominated time."
Meanwhile, on the fire front, a blaze at St Georges Basin on the South Coast has been downgraded to "being controlled." This comes after an evacuation order was issued for Worrowing Heights in Shoalhaven on Sunday, when the fire came within 1km of homes, including the Coastal Waters Retirement Village where 500 residents were sheltering in place.
