Sydney set to hit 33C in potentially warmest start to spring since mid-1800s, while snow forecast in southern NSW

A total fire ban is in place for greater Sydney with extreme fire danger exacerbated by hot and windy conditions

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Summer heat is due to arrive early across much of eastern Australia with potentially record early September temperatures predicted for Brisbane and Sydney, while snow was expected in southern New South Wales.

Maximum temperatures in Sydney during the first days of September were on track to match the city's midsummer average of 26.4C, warmer than any other start to spring since the city's Observatory Hill station opened in 1858.