Bureau of Meteorology climatologist Felicity Gamble said there was a strong chance December would continue to deliver above average temperatures. Rainfall is likely to be lower with about a 25 per cent chance of exceeding the average. 

“For December, we’re seeing quite a strong chance of above normal temperatures in the Hunter and that is likely to continue into January,” Ms Gamble said. 

Ms Gamble said the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) was on a much shorter cycle than other weather events like an El Nino or La Nina, which can last up to 12 months. 

“SAM will see really dry air blown over the continent into NSW,” she said. 

“We’d only expect to see the influence for weeks or a couple of months before we come back to normal conditions.”

Spokesperson for the Rural Fire Service John Redman said weather conditions had quickly cured grasses over the winter and it was a major concern for firies. 

“This year we are more than ever concerned about grass fires,” Mr Redman said.

“We had the third wettest winter ever on record and a wet September. All that rain has seen rapid grass growth. It has now dried out.”

Mr Redman said people living on the coast needed to be as vigilant as those living in the bush. 

“Embers from recent Cessnock fires made it to Newcastle,” Mr Redman said. 

He said grass fires travelled three time faster than bush fires and Newcastle residents should prepare their homes. 

“Clean out the gutters, trim trees and even mowing your lawn can reduce the risk,” he said.

“Move furniture and mats away from the home.” 

He said the biggest risk was when you are not at home and people going away during summer should prepare their homes for bushfire. 

He also said everyone should have a bushfire survival plan.

“Just take 10 minutes when you are sitting around the dinner table to come up with a plan,” he said.

“No one ever expects a bushfire to come, you need to know exactly what you are going to do when it does.”