Sydney is set to experience a sharp weather shift as clear skies and 30°C temperatures make way for a significant cool change.
Hailstorms are possible in northern New South Wales as a cold front approaches.
On Monday afternoon, the temperature peaked at 30.8°C in the Sydney metro area, with Moree recording the state’s high of 33.5°C.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Jiwon Park reported that a cold front would sweep through late Monday evening, bringing showers and cloudy skies. Temperatures are forecast to drop to a high of 19°C on Tuesday.
“There will be a significant change, particularly in eastern NSW, with warm, dry conditions turning cooler and wetter due to southerly winds,” Park said. A temperature drop of 8°C to 12°C is expected across the state.
Severe thunderstorms and damaging winds are expected in northern NSW after Monday’s hot weather.By Tuesday afternoon, the cold front is set to reach northern NSW, interacting with low-pressure troughs from Queensland.
This combination raises the risk of severe thunderstorms in the northern rivers and mid-north coast regions, where wind gusts may exceed 90km/h, along with potentially heavy rainfall and large hail.
As the cold front moves further north, Brisbane’s temperature is expected to fall from 33°C on Tuesday to 24°C on Wednesday.
Spring temperature fluctuations are normal, Park noted, due to the clash between warm and cold fronts. Sydney’s weather could remain unpredictable, with two more cold fronts expected later in the week.
A small bushfire near Oberon was burning out of control on Monday but was expected to be contained soon.
Meanwhile, fire danger remains high in Sydney, Illawarra, and Shoalhaven, with conditions likely easing by Tuesday.