Maitland is expected to cop a maximum of 37 degrees on Saturday, followed by a top of 39 degrees on Sunday.

Bureau of Meteorology severe weather forecaster Jordan Notara said temperatures like these in this later part of the year was somewhat unusual.

“The current outlook is forecasting 8 to 10 degrees above the average for this time of year,” he said on Friday.

A cold front moving to move across the state on Sunday is the expected cause.

Ahead of this front will be a warm air mass bringing warmer temperatures.

But, with any luck that will be the last of the heat days for now.

A cooler change is expected to move through on Wednesday, bringing temperatures in the 20s.

Temperatures on Monday and Tuesday will likely still be in the low 30s.

“We are moving out of fire season, however it is not uncommon to get elevated fire danger this late in the season,” Mr Notara said.

The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) is urging residents in central and eastern NSW to prepare themselves and their property, with increased fire danger conditions forecast for this weekend.

NSW RFS Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons said firefighters and other emergency services personnel would be on standby in expectation of Very High to Severe fire danger across central and eastern NSW on Sunday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast temperatures in the mid to high 30s across the state on Sunday with strong winds ranging between 30-60km/h.

Very High fire danger is expected on Saturday in the state’s eastern regions, including the Hunter, with temperatures forecast in the low to mid 30s.

“The forecast conditions will elevate the risk of fire and Total Fire Bans are likely to be declared for some areas, so I urge landholders, homeowners, businesses and travelers to consider how they will be impacted and start preparing now,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“While recent rainfall provided firefighters with some respite, the prevailing hot and dry conditions experienced throughout summer prevented much of it from soaking into the landscape.

“That’s why it is important that you have a discussion about what you will do if a fire starts near you, so that everyone in your household knows your bush fire survival plan.”

The NSW RFS recommends people living in bush fire prone areas make or review their bush fire survival plan – deciding now what they’ll do if a fire starts close by; check local fire danger – look out for the roadside signs and know the fire danger rating; and, stay up to date on fires in their area – proactively check the NSW RFS website or the Fires Near Me app for fires in their area on days of heightened danger.

Anyone who sees an unattended fire should call Triple Zero (000) immediately.