NSW heatwave: what you need to know

Soaring temperatures, severe bushfire danger and a possible surge in electricity use - NSW is in for a scorcher this weekend.

TEMPERATURE

Friday

* Sydney 38C

* Western Sydney 44C

* Ivanhoe 46C

Saturday

* Sydney 39C

* Western Sydney 45C

* Ivanhoe 48C

Sunday

* Sydney 30C

* Western Sydney 41C

* Bourke 46C

FIRE WARNINGS

* The Rural Fire Service predicts total fire bans will be in place across the NSW Riverina on Friday

* Very high to severe fire danger warnings will be in place throughout Sydney, the central plains, southern ranges and Riverina on Saturday

* If the forecast eventuates on Sunday there'll likely be catastrophic fire danger warnings in some areas including the Hunter

ELECTRICITY

* The Australian Energy Markets Operator has demanded additional electricity supply in the face of potential power shortages in NSW

* AEMO is forecasting a record demand for power in NSW on Friday reaching 14,700 megawatts

* Endeavour Energy says electricity demand could spike by 50 per cent in western Sydney. Emergency crews will be placed on standby in case of network faults

* Ausgrid has cancelled scheduled maintenance work in the Hunter Valley and other areas forecast to reach 40C or higher

STAYING COOL

* Drink plenty of water

* Avoid alcoholic, hot or sugary drinks

* Plan your day around the heat and minimise physical activity

* Check on elderly neighbours and relatives