Severe Weather System Grips Southeast Australia
The Australian Capital Territory and surrounding regions are bracing for dangerous conditions as weather authorities issue warnings for damaging winds and extreme fire danger. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast wind gusts exceeding 90 kilometres per hour across southeast NSW and the ACT throughout Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
Emergency Closures and Safety Measures
Parks ACT took precautionary measures on Tuesday by closing the Googong Foreshores boat ramp in response to the severe weather prediction. The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve will remain closed on Wednesday due to the dangerous conditions. The State Emergency Service has issued urgent advice for Canberrans to move vehicles under cover or away from trees and secure any loose outdoor items that could become hazardous projectiles in the strong winds.
According to weather experts, the damaging wind gusts are expected to develop early Wednesday morning and continue throughout the afternoon before gradually easing during the evening hours. Bureau of Meteorology representative Sarah Scully explained that these winds are combining with hot temperatures and extremely dry air, creating perfect conditions for elevated fire dangers across the region.
Catastrophic Fire Danger Declared
Authorities have raised bushfire alerts to their highest levels in more than two years, with forecasts of soaring temperatures and damaging wind gusts prompting emergency responses. The Lower Central West Plains region, including major hubs like Dubbo, Parkes and Forbes, is facing catastrophic fire danger conditions. This represents the first time any NSW region has received such a severe rating since September 2023.
More than 20 public schools across central NSW will remain closed on Wednesday following the Rural Fire Service's catastrophic fire danger warning. Total fire bans have been declared for 10 NSW regions, including greater Sydney, Illawarra and the Hunter. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 37 degrees in Dubbo on Wednesday, following maximums of 38 degrees recorded on Tuesday.
The elevated fire danger extends beyond NSW, with southern interior regions of Queensland also facing increased risk. This concerning development comes as Australia mourns the loss of Country Fire Service member Peter Curtis, a 30-year veteran firefighter who died while battling a scrub fire on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula last weekend.
Meanwhile, in northeast Tasmania, authorities continue to monitor a bushfire that has been burning since Saturday, advising residents in the Curries River Reservoir area to remain vigilant about changing conditions.
