Temperatures reached up to 44 degrees in many places in the Dungog Shire and Stroud areas with the storm only bringing slight relief and mixed recordings of rain.

Rural Fire Service's Lower Hunter Superintendent Jason McKellar said the majority of lightning strikes were in predominately north of Dungog in the mountains.

“We received numerous triple-0 calls and 12 units from around the shire were out until 1am on Monday morning,” he said.

“They were mainly in the Bendolba, Chichester and Fosterton Road areas but also a few around Stroud Road.

“Two aircraft, a plane and helicopter, are going up to view the area this morning (Monday) to see if there are any more isolated areas affected.

“This will put the crews in a much better position to assess the situation.”

WeatherWatch meteorologist Don White said it’s been very hot in the Hunter during the past few days.

“It was the hottest November temperature recorded in the last five years,” he said.

“Temperatures like this are not that common in November, but they will become so as the world warms up.”

Temperatures are expected to cool down as the week progresses.

“But we are in for warmer than average summer. This is a sign of things to come,” Mr White said.