Sydney was on track to experience its wettest day of the year on Sunday after gloomy skies dumped heavy rains on the city throughout the morning – with the prospect of more showers in the days ahead.
A rain band crossing NSW triggered heavy falls in Sydney from about 4am before easing in the afternoon.
Umbrellas may come in handy for Sydney residents in the week ahead.Credit:Louise Kennerley
Weatherzone meteorologist Craig McIntosh said 23 millimetres of rain poured down at Observatory Hill in central Sydney in the 24 hours to 9am on Sunday morning. Another 12 millimetres fell in the hours to 3pm.
“We’re going to see around 35 millimetres, possibly a couple more on Sunday. You’re looking at the wettest day since October last year, when we had a 43-millimetre day,” Mr McIntosh said.
In Sydney’s north-west, West Pennant Hills recorded 34 millimetres in the 24 hours to 9am, while North Rocks copped 30 millimetres. In Mona Vale on the northern beaches, about 19 millimetres fell in the same period.
“If you want to do your washing, Monday is your best bet. I’d be expecting rain over most parts [of Sydney] each day this week. Sydney could be looking at 80 millimetres [of rain this week] by Friday morning,” Mr McIntosh said.
Storms were also expected on Sunday in north-east NSW, particularly the Hunter, Mid North Coast, northern tablelands and north west slopes. There was potential for these storms to be severe with heavy rains.
Temperatures in Sydney dropped after a hot Saturday and muggy night with the mercury hitting 26 degrees in the city at midnight. High humidity and light winds made the temperature feel two to three degrees warmer.
