Just a few weeks ago, Sydney was the hottest place in the world with the mercury hitting 47 degrees in Penrith.

Sydney-siders are bracing for more extreme heat, with temperatures to soar above 40 degrees.

Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons tells Mark Levy the conditions pose a serious fire risk.

“Over the next few days we’re still seeing that really hot, really dry atmosphere but the winds are going to dominate out of the south and south-east which is unusual.

“We just can’t state enough how important it is to be prepared.

“Be prepared by having a conversation with your loved ones knowing what it is you’re going to do when a fire starts near you and threatens you.”

Mr Fitzsimmons says the elevated fire danger will be concentrated around the Greater Sydney, Hunter and northwestern regions of NSW.

“It’s going to be a fairly broad, widespread dominance of heat.

“The landscape is dry. We’ve still got a long way to go so that’s why we need people to be vigilant.”

Click PLAY below for the full interview