The 40s have almost become commonplace over parts of Australia recently and today it looks like Sydneys turn.41 degrees is the expected high with sunny and very hot northerlies anticipated for the big city.

Smoke and haze is also in the forecast and the fire danger is again extreme which is keeping local authorities on high alert.

A cooler change is expected later today and some moisture is likely over the following 48 hours before temperatures are expected to climb again.

November has been very hot in South Australia, Victoria, parts of Tasmania and also New South Wales and the disturbing thing to note is that summer has yet to officially to get underway.