CHUCK the ice blocks in the fridge and whip out the togs as a severe heatwave is on the way.
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Monday looked to be the last cool break with the mercury tipped to hit the 40's by the end of the week in Tamworth.
Residents should be sure to slap on the sunscreen and a hat with the UV index likely to be in the extreme mid-week.
Bureau of Meteorology hazard preparedness and response manager for NSW and ACT Agata Imielska said those warmer heatwave temperatures will start to increase broadly across the state from Thursday.
"We are expecting conditions to reach severe heatwave levels from Thursday and into Sunday we'll see those temperatures and warming up for those heatwave levels," she said.
"The warmest temperatures will be in the western parts of the state but we are going to see broadly warmer conditions across the state and ACT."
Dangerous fire conditions had firefighters poised to pitch-in from the sky should a blaze erupt during Monday's total fire ban for the north-western region.
The remote area team was on hand to help due to the severe fire danger conditions in Moree, Narrabri, Walgett and the Warrumbungles, Tamworth Rural Fire Service superintendent Allyn Purkiss said.
"In Tamworth, the wind doesn't look too bad but the temperature will be up," he said.
"We'll keep an eye on it if as it climbs back up into the very high fire danger area early next week - so we'll see what the wind is doing and that will determine whether there is a total fire ban.
"Our guys are out there with the helicopter because of the hot and windy conditions and possible lightning triggers."
BOM hazard preparedness and response manager for NSW and ACT Agata Imielska said fire danger conditions had increased in parts of the northern districts.
"That's really related to the heat associated being brought in ahead of the change and the windy conditions we are seeing there as well," she said.
"We are looking at the northern rivers and the north-west of the Great Dividing Range; those areas there and those severe fire dangers, we do have some fires already active so that's an extra concern there for those areas already seeing fire activity."
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There's still the chance of an early storm on Tuesday in Tamworth, but it is expected to be a mostly sunny day with southeasterly winds in the evening.
Thunderstorms pose the risk of new ignitions for parts of the north-east part of the state.
"With those windy conditions and potential for thunderstorms there's also the risk of new ignitions and new fires starting," Ms Imielska said.
"For those in the north-east and north-west of the state should be keeping a close eye on fire conditions, any total fire bans and being extra mindful of the fire situation in the area."
By Sunday the temperature is expected to climb to a high of 39 degrees.
Local residents are reminded to keep an eye on the NSW Rural Fire Service website for any current fire danger warnings.