Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Firefighters in New South Wales battling scores of blazes have had some relief after a change in wind conditions.

Emergency warnings have been downgraded for all areas except west of Ryltone and Kandos in the the state's central west, the ABC website reports.

About 1,700 firefighters are still in the field as 90 blazes, some threatening homes, continue to burn on Monday.

Fifty aircraft are also working around the state.

Temperatures on Sunday were scorching; in Sydney, 42.5 degrees celsius was recorded at the airport, while at Walgett, in the state's north-west, it reached 43 degrees.

However, the weather bureau says cooler temperatures and showers are approaching.