Sydney heatwave ends, with storms, rain on the way
After being blasted by heat as thousands returned to work this morning, commuters in Sydney faced storms on the way home and temperatures set to drop by more than 10 degrees.
The holiday heatwave in the nation's south east is firmly over, with warnings issued by the Bureau of Meteorology as the cool change swept in after days of temperatures in the 30s.
The change was set to hit the east of NSW and Sydney tonight.
READ MORE: How to maximise public holidays and make the most of your annual leave in 2025
Sydneysiders flocked to beaches amid the hot weather. Edwina Pickles
Sydney's CBD hit a top of 30 degrees today, while the temperature peaked at 40 degrees in Badgerys Creek and just under that in Penrith.
The cool change was expected about 10pm with temperatures dropping by 10 to 15 to degrees across Sydney.
Some thunderstorms began hitting Sydney's south-west this afternoon.
"It's going to bring a significant temperature drop, a burst of fresh southerly winds and rainfall," BOM meteorologist Miriam Bradbury, said.
Most of NSW was at risk of thunderstorms. The Central and Southern Tablelands of NSW, and parts of the Illawarra, were most at risk.
"In these areas severe storms may bring heavy rainfall that could lead to flash flooding," Bradbury said.
READ MORE: Etihad flight aborts take-off at high speed, leaving runway blocked in Melbourne
Lightning ignites fires
Firefighters have also battled hard-to-reach blazes in Upper Colo in Sydney's far north-west, which were sparked by lightning.
The Hunter region also was struck, 30 ignition points and counting.
For the latest bushfire alerts visit the NSW RFS.
More rain on the way
Tomorrow into Wednesday, north and central eastern NSW could see more rain and storms.
Large hail and damaging winds are also forecast.
It'll drop to between 20 and 25 degrees.
READ MORE: Driver killed after stolen truck allegedly runs red light in Melbourne
The end of the week will bring more showers.
Victoria is already seeing wet weather after a heat wave which saw a record number of people being rescued from the ocean.
Storms are possible across much of the state this afternoon and evening.
Parts of South Australia and Tasmania are also in the firing line.
Share a tip-off, video or photo with us
