Wind conditions in Canberra will ease slightly on Saturday and Sunday after strong winds played havoc with efforts to contain a fire in the capital's south on Friday.
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A fire that started near Pierces Creek on Wednesday grew more than 100 hectars by Friday afternoon, aided by dry conditions and erratic, strong winds.
The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting average wind speeds of up to 30 km/h until Tuesday, a slight reprieve from the 40 km/h averages and 90 km/h gusts buffeting firefighters at the end of last week.
Meteorologist David Wilke said Saturday will see a top of 27 degrees on Saturday and 28 degrees on Sunday, both with generally sunny conditions.
He said maximum temperatures will hover around 28 degrees until Tuesday night when a storm will bring strong winds but cooler conditions for Wednesday.
"The thing of concern would probably be the wind strength," Mr Wilke said.
Mr Wilke said wind speed would return back to Friday's averages on Wednesday but with cooler conditions.
Tuesday night's storm will bring strong winds with averages up to 40 km/h.
Emergency Services Agency commissioner Dominic Lane told The Canberra Times firefighters were mainly trying to understand what the winds were going to do.
“We’re also seeing some erratic wind behaviour which is making it challenging for firefighters on the ground,” he said.
Mr Lane said the weekend's slightly gentler conditions were good news and advised Canberrans to visit esa.act.gov.au for information on the fire and bushfire planning.
Mr Lane said Wednesday's windier conditions were still a few days out and said the agency would play it by ear.
He said firefighters would aim to take advantage of the gentler conditions if they could before then.
The heavy winds on Saturday brought down trees across Canberra, according to en
Mr Wilke said there had already been an early season record for November with Thursday seeing a top of 34.2 degrees.
Drought conditions west of Canberra and strong winds will bring dust across the capital, creating a slight dust haze over the weekend.
"We're not talking about a big dust storm," Mr Wilke said.
On Friday night, the health directorate warned of a possible thunderstorm asthma event, with the risk likely to continue over the weekend amid high pollen levels and wild weather.
Those affected should avoid going outside during storms, review their treatment plans and monitor their symptoms carefully.
If symptoms were not relieved by usual treatements, people should seek urgent medical advice.
