Sydney had the nation's highest temperature just before midday today.
Sydney was the hottest place in Australia briefly today before parts of the city faced a sudden drenching.
The weather station at Sydney Airport hit slightly above 35 degrees just before midday, making the transport hub the hottest place in the country.

Sydney recently experienced a significant heatwave driven by hot north-westerly winds sweeping in from the country’s interior, as reported by Weatherzone.

Sydney had the nation's highest temperature just before midday today.
Sydney had the nation’s highest temperature just before midday today. (Weatherzone)
The rare moment was short-lived, however, as a cool change swept through Victoria and parts of NSW’s western and southern regions.

The intense heat began to ease when a southerly breeze started to flow up the coastline around 2 p.m., initially affecting Sydney’s southern suburbs and gradually moving northward.

The shift brought 14 millimetres of rain to Sydney Olympic Park and six millimetres to the CBD. 
Still of a timelapse of Sydney weather on February 18 2026.
Further showers are expected across the city, including possible storms later tonight. (Nine)

This change in wind direction led to a dramatic temperature drop, with the mercury falling by over 10 degrees within an hour, reaching 23 degrees Celsius in Sydney.

The forecast predicts more showers across the city, with the possibility of thunderstorms later tonight.

A strong wind warning was also issued at 4 p.m. for certain areas, including parts of Sydney’s harbour and coastline.

The wet weather is expected to continue into tomorrow, with the chance of showers that are expected to clear later in the day. 

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