Sydney soared above 30 degrees in scorching end to summer

Australia’s east coast experienced a scorching farewell to summer today, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees in multiple locations.

In Sydney, while temperatures were expected to reach a steamy 29C by late afternoon - four degrees above average for February - the mercury in the CBD only measured as high as 25.8C at 2pm AEST with a maximum of 26.4 felt at 1.55pm.

Further west however, temperatures continued to sizzle.

By 2pm, the highest temperature seen in Bankstown was 30.4C, Richmond reached a maximum of 31.1C and Penrith's highest was 31.6C.

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Penrith's earlier 36C forecast would have made it the suburb's hottest last day of summer since records commenced in 1995.

And if the mercury rose above 35.2C in Richmond, it would have been the hottest end to summer there in 30 years - although by mid-afternoon, it appeared the records were not going to be broken.

The heat was due to a low pressure trough moving across the region, Weatherzone meteorologist Tom Hough told 9news.com.au

“Warm air is being funnelled down from the Northern Territory,” he explained.

Further south, Melbourne also experienced a hot end to February, with the CBD expected to reach about 31C - by 1.15pm the mercury had risen as high as 30.9C.

The heat was fleeting, however, a cool change sent temperatures plummeting from about 5pm.

Tomorrow will be seasonally appropriate, with a maximum of 21C and light showers.

Elsewhere, Brisbane had a mostly sunny top of 30C, while Adelaide and Hobart saw mild maximums of 24 and 25 degrees.

Perth also saw out summer with plenty of glorious blue sky, with temperatures reaching 25C early and a maximum of 29 expected.