Forecasts of soaring temperatures and damaging wind gusts have prompted authorities in New South Wales to raise bushfire alerts to their highest levels in more than two years.

More than 20 public schools across central NSW were to be closed on Wednesday after the state’s Rural Fire Service issued a warning for catastrophic fire danger.

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The lower central west plains – including the regional hubs of Dubbo, Parkes and Forbes – was bracing for the highest level of bushfire conditions, meaning people there should consider leaving fire risk areas and stay out of paddocks and bushland.

No region of NSW has had a catastrophic fire danger forecast since September 2023.

Extreme danger warnings and total fire bans were also declared for millions of residents, in

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