NSW weather: hot, wet first week of summer

If you think NSW has had a reprieve from the storms that lashed the state over the weekend, think again. Meteorologists say Saturday will bring more. FIND OUT WHERE.

It has been an overcast start to the first week of summer and Sydneysiders can expect more storm activity this weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has advised that afternoon and evening thunderstorms could hit on Friday afternoon and again on Saturday, while Sunday brings a 60 per cent chance of rain in the morning.

High humidity later this week will add to the ‘feels like’ temperature by about 2 to 4 degrees and there will be hot nights from Thursday to Saturday where 20C will be the minimum low.

Analysis from the meteorologists at Weatherzone has predicted western Sydney will hit the mid-30s on Friday and Saturday, while closer to the city the temperatures will peak at about 33C.

The UV Index is predicted as ‘extreme risk’, hovering between 11 and 12 on the scale.

In Newcastle, storms are predicted for Saturday and Sunday with a high chance of showers on Sunday morning.

Illawarra may experience storms on Friday morning and afternoon and a top of 32C on Saturday, with a much cooler, wetter day on Sunday with a top of 23C forecast.

The Central Coast will escape Friday storms with clouds clearing, but a showery Saturday with the chance of a later thunderstorm.

Temperatures around Australia on Thursday December 5. Picture: Sky News Australia.

EARLIER

On Monday morning residents woke to assess the aftermath of a freak 30-minute storm that left behind flash floods, downed trees and transport chaos across the city.

Heavy rains lashed several suburbs on Sunday, forcing motorists in Double Bay to be rescued from waterlogged cars as streets and shops were inundated.

“NSW SES were actively responding to impacts of a trough moving east of the state,” Adam from SES said.

“It brought on unsettled conditions including heavy and local intense rainfall and thunderstorm activity.

“Crews responded to 330 incidents from the public across the state, 284 for storm related damage including fallen trees and roof leaks, while the Sydney Metro area had 192 calls for help.”

Flooding in Double Bay on Sunday. Picture: Darling Point Community Group/Facebook

Double Bay was among the hardest hit areas. Picture: Darling Point Community Group/Facebook

The hardest hit suburbs were Condell Park, Woollahra, Merrylands and Campbelltown.

“At 3pm, the Eastern Suburbs, particularly Bondi Junction and neighbouring areas, was hit with significant rainfall and damaging winds, which brought upon flash flooding and storm damage to several streets.

“SES conducted three flood rescues, including one family trapped in a car from a fallen tree, all persons were safely accounted for.”

Abi Begg, SES Warnings Officer, said the immediate threat has passed but cautioned that severe weather could return.

Totti's in Bondi flooded on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

The rain inundated several homes in businesses in Sydney's east on Sunday, pictured is Totti's. Picture: Supplied

“Eased off now, we have no warning product out for the Sydney metro area as it has moved eastwards, but there is a risk in the coming days,” Begg said.

Observatory Hill recorded the heaviest rainfall with 23mm since 9am on Sunday, followed by Sydney Airport at 14.6mm.

The deluge caused transport delays, including flooding that affected trains on multiple lines and forced commuters to find alternative routes.

Passengers travelling to or from stations between Canley Vale and Merrylands were also advised to delay their travel or consider using other nearby modes of public transport. Trains on the T9 Northern Line were also delayed by flooding.

Tree branches have fallen down in the eastern suburbs from Sunday’s weather event. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Hundreds of SES calls were made by residents in NSW as wild storms battered the state over the weekend. Pictured is Sydney's radar on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

In Campsie, a waterlogged ceiling collapsed into a kitchen, while trees on Queen St in Woollahra were brought down by the strong winds.

Social media captured scenes of flooded homes and businesses and flooded streets as the storm swept through Sydney’s neighbourhoods.

On Monday morning it was business as usual for residents and shop owners in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Storm mop up in Woollahra on Monday morning. Picture: Thomas Lisson

Most of the damage was cleaned up in impacted areas in Bondi, Woollahra and Double Bay with businesses back open and serving customers.

Some unopened stores were seen with chairs on top of tables and sandbags still outside entrances.

Sand bags placed in shop door ways in the eastern suburbs to stop water from flash floods. Picture: Thomas Lisson

In Woollahra SES tape was a sign of the danger posed last night in Queen Street, with fallen trees outside the Pasta Pantry and Queen Street Delicatessen, although the shops were unaffected.

A tree was resting next to a luxury BMW in nearby Holdsworth Street.

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