Hopes for rain after bushfires in NSW Blue Mountains

There are hopes for cooler temperatures and rain after a major blaze in the Blue Mountains raged into the night.

More than 260 firefighters have been tackling the fire after it broke out in the Blaxland-Warrimoo area on Friday as temperatures topped 45 degrees in parts of NSW.

The fire appeared to have eased early on Friday evening but flared up again after a change in wind direction.

An emergency fire warning was in place for the Warrimoo and Valley Heights area but residents were advised to remain in their homes or seek immediate shelter.

The blaze was one of more than 50 that firefighters were called to in NSW and total fire bans remain in place for much of the state.

The mercury is expected to be considerably lower on Saturday with a top of 27C and a chance of afternoon showers.