The Emergency Services Agency is warning Canberrans to prepare for a high fire risk amid potentially damaging winds.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe-weather warning for the region, with damaging winds of about 60km/h and peak gusts of 90km/h forecast for parts of the ACT.

Commissioner Dominic Lane said the capital's fire danger rating for the last day of the working week was "very high" as a result of the expected dry and windy conditions.

"While conditions don't warrant the declaration of a total fire ban in the territory due to the recent wet weather, the forecast still points to the need for the community to take extra care and be vigilant," he said.

"A fire can still start and trees could come down in these type of conditions so I urge people to be aware of their surroundings."

While Friday is set to sizzle, Weatherzone meteorologist James Casey said the capital was in for a reprieve at the weekend.

"A cold front is moving through the south-east, bringing back a sharp change in temperature from the Friday to the Saturday, so a southerly wind and a cooler air mass," he said.

Mr Casey said showers forecast for Saturday morning could bring a sprinkle or two before midday, but any rain was unlikely to top one millimetre.

Saturday is expected to reach a maximum 23 degrees, while Sunday is forecast to reach 25 degrees.

Temperatures are then expected to rise again from the mid-20s on Monday to a forecast 30 degrees by Wednesday.

The rising mercury comes as Canberra braces for a hotter and drier summer, with El Nino weather conditions in south-eastern Australia set to spark above-average temperatures throughout December to February.

Health and safety services are warning Canberrans of the risks of heat stress in light of the the hotter-than-average forecast.

Headaches, dizziness and vomiting are among symptoms of the illness, which can strike when a person is exposed to a hot environment and their body is unable to maintain a normal temperature.

An ACT Health spokesman said heat-related stress could affect anyone but young children and babies, the elderly, pregnant women, obese individuals, and people with a disability, particularly impaired mobility, were among those at most risk during the summer months.

People who exercise or work outdoors, those on medications that promote fluid loss or reduced sweating, and new residents or visitors who are not acclimatised to Canberra's heat also had a higher risk of developing heat stress, the spokesman said.

"Heat stress can be potentially life-threatening so, it's important to know what the warning signs are," he said.

"Headaches, dizziness, faintness, nausea and vomiting are all signs of heat stress. In babies watch out for irritability, restlessness and fewer-than-usual wet nappies."

Heat stress can occur on normal summer days but the risk of developing the illness increases dramatically if outdoor temperatures exceed 35 degrees.

The spokesman said the risk was highest during a heatwave when temperatures remained above average for several days in a row, including hot nights.

"Relatively short exposure to extremely hot environments can also cause heat-related stress," he said. "These include the interior of a hot car, a tent on a hot day, or periods of direct exposure to the sun."

ACT Health has advised Canberrans to drink plenty of water, stay in cool environments and reduce physical activity on hot days.

The organisation has also urged residents to check on vulnerable people and to avoid leaving children or pets unattended in cars.

As the weather heats up, SafeWork NSW is urging outdoor workers to safely manage hot conditions and reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

SafeWork NSW South Coast and Southern Highlands team co-ordinator John Ringland said managers should set realistic workloads and schedules, provide shaded rest areas, issue regular breaks and reschedule work to cooler times of the day where possible.

Similarly, a WorkSafe ACT spokeswoman said prevention was the best approach to reducing heat stress among workers.

"During the hottest months, outdoor workers and those that are working in the hot locations, such as confined spaces including roof spaces, will find themselves particularly at risk," she said.

"WorkSafe ACT promotes on its website that those working in hot environments, including kitchens and bakeries and outdoor areas in the sun, can be exposed to heat stress and provides advice on preventing heat-related illness."