Conditions are expected to be ideal for bushfires with temperatures reaching 35 degrees and above with dry northerly winds.

Monaro RFS team manager Jim Darrant said the fire danger rating would be one of the highest so far this bush fire season.

“Relative humidity is falling to 10 to 20 per cent, doubled with 40 to 50 kilometre northerly winds the fire danger rating will be very high,” Mr Darrant said.

“In those conditions fires can be very difficult to control.”

Conditions this season have been relatively mild compared to previous years with cool temperatures throughout December and a significant amount of rain. One of the major concerns for the RFS, is the rate of grass growth across the Monaro as a result of the rain.

“We have been incredibly fortunate this year,” Mr Darrant said.

“But grass fuels are a major concern at the moment.”

Mr Darrant urged people to be vigilant and be wary of the threat of bushfire.

“Our state of preparedness is at its peak. If the unfortunate happens we are prepared to respond to a fire if one occurs.”

Cooma and the Monaro is set to sizzle throughout the week as a high pressure system brings dry air across the south east of Australia.

Meteorologist with the Bureau of Meteorology Alan Morrison said above average temperatures were predicted throughout the week but were expected to return to normal by next Monday.

“In Cooma you are looking at temperatures this week about 10 degrees above average. And because the air is so warm the temperature will remain warm in the evening as well.”

“It will be a little unsettled by Wednesday with showers on Thursday and Friday as well.”

The average maximum temperature for January in Cooma is 27.2 degrees. Temperatures are expected to return to the mid to high twenties by early next week. Meanwhile temperatures across Australia are expected to rise above 40 degrees.

In Sydney, this week looks set to be the city’s hottest on record with temperatures in the western suburbs predicted to soar above 30 degrees for six consecutive days.