Racing at Gosford on the NSW Central Coast has been called off after two races because of oppressive heat.

The temperature climbed towards 40 degrees on Tuesday and Racing NSW stewards called the meeting off in the interests of human and equine welfare.

The Nowra meeting on the South Coast was earlier abandoned with dangerous conditions in the area because of bush fires and road closures.

Thursday's meeting further south at the Sapphire Coast is in doubt because of the ongoing conditions.