A combination of very high fire danger and temperatures in the low 40s has led the NSW Rural Fire Service to urge families to be prepared.

Maitland and Cessnock will reach 42 degrees on Monday and 43 on Tuesday. The mercury in Dungog will soar to 41 on Monday and 42 on Tuesday.

A total fire ban is in place throughout the region.

Lower Hunter Fire Control Public Liaison Officer Leanne Bell said a very high fire danger combined with high temperatures was a concerning mix.

"It takes five minutes to make a plan for your family ... Where will you go, what will you take and who will you tell? They are the things you need to know," she said.

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"Maintain the awareness of what is happening around you, looking at Fires Near Me, speak to your neighbours and your community. Look after your neighbours and make sure everyone is okay."

The RFS held community meetings in Broke and Bulga on Sunday to brief residents and urge them to be prepared.

Bushfires near these areas, including the Little L Complex fire and Owendale blaze, are currently under control and listed at the advice level.

But, the RFS has warned that could quickly change in the harsh conditions.

The Little L fire has already burnt more than 154,000 hectares of land while the Owendale fire between Broke and Pokolbin has burnt 5200 hectares.

The RFS has released a series of videos on social media to help people understand what they mean when they say 'prepare your property'.

It comes after several people at the meetings asked what they had to do to be ready.

A severe weather update from the Bureau of Meteorology has confirmed air quality across the east coast, including the Hunter, will be affected on Monday and Tuesday. At this stage is it likely that Tuesday's air quality will be worse.

Click here to find out how to make a bushfire plan.