Sydney Weather aggregates meteorological data from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology's observation network and numerical weather prediction systems. The following tools present forecast variables, historical comparisons, and real-time observations for the Greater Sydney metropolitan area (12,368 km², population 5.3 million).
7-Day Synoptic Forecast
Seven consecutive days of weather predictions for Sydney. Each day displays minimum temperature, maximum temperature, condition classification, precipitation probability (0-100%), UV index range, and fire danger rating. Data source: BOM Product IDN10064, updated 6:00 AM AEST.
View ForecastSuburb-Level Temperature Forecasts
Temperature predictions for eight locations across a 70 km east-west transect: Sydney CBD, Penrith, Liverpool, Parramatta, Campbelltown, Richmond, Bondi, and Manly. Displays the coastal-to-inland thermal gradient that produces 8-12°C summer temperature differentials.
View Town ForecastsMetropolitan Temperature Comparison
Side-by-side minimum and maximum temperature comparison across Sydney's five microclimate zones: Coastal Strip, Inner Harbour, Inner West, Western Plains, and Northern Hills. Identifies the urban heat island effect and sea breeze penetration limits on any given day.
Compare TemperaturesPrecipitation Probability Tracker
Daily precipitation likelihood derived from BOM ensemble numerical weather prediction model runs. The probability represents the percentage of comparable atmospheric scenarios that produce measurable rainfall (≥0.2 mm in 24 hours). Displayed as a 10-segment bar chart per forecast day.
Check Rain ForecastFire Danger Rating Monitor
Forest Fire Danger Index (FFDI) derived ratings for the Greater Sydney bushfire-prone area (1.5 million hectares of surrounding national park and bushland). Rating categories: Moderate, High, Extreme, Catastrophic. Active during fire season (October–March) and when FFDI exceeds threshold values.
Check Fire DangerUV Index and Sun Protection Timeframes
Ultraviolet radiation index measured by the ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) monitoring network. Sydney's UV index ranges from 1-2 in winter to 11-14 in summer. Displays the daily time window when the UV index exceeds 3 (the threshold requiring sun protection per WHO guidelines).
View UV InfoSydney Weather Forecast Data Interpretation Guide
The following table describes each forecast component, its measurement unit, data source, and interpretation method:
| Forecast Component | Display Format | Data Source | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather Icon | 6 condition categories | BOM synoptic analysis | Dominant expected condition: sunny, partly cloudy, cloudy, showers, rain, storm |
| Minimum Temperature | °C (blue text) | ACCESS-C NWP model | Predicted lowest temperature during the overnight period (6 PM – 6 AM) |
| Maximum Temperature | °C (red text) | ACCESS-C NWP model | Predicted highest temperature during the daytime period (6 AM – 6 PM) |
| Rain Probability Bar | 10 segments (each = 10%) | Ensemble NWP output | Filled segments indicate percentage chance of ≥0.2 mm rainfall in 24 hours |
| Fire Danger Badge | Red label with rating text | BOM/NSW RFS FFDI | Appears when FFDI exceeds Moderate threshold; indicates bushfire severity potential |
| UV Protection Window | Time range (e.g., 9:10 AM – 4:20 PM) | ARPANSA UV network | Hours when UV index exceeds 3; sun protection (hat, sunscreen, shade) required |
Sydney Suburb Microclimate Temperature Differentials
The town forecast sidebar addresses Sydney's significant intra-metropolitan temperature variation. Three physical mechanisms produce these differentials:
- Marine Boundary Layer: Coastal suburbs (Bondi, Manly) sit within the marine boundary layer, where onshore winds transport cool, humid air from the Tasman Sea (surface temperature 18-24°C). This suppresses maximum temperatures by 5-8°C compared to locations beyond the sea breeze penetration front.
- Continental Heating: Western Plains suburbs (Penrith, Richmond) lie 45-60 km from the coast, beyond the sea breeze limit on most days. Exposed to direct solar radiation on the Cumberland Plain, these areas absorb and re-radiate heat from asphalt and concrete surfaces, amplifying maximum temperatures by 3-5°C above surrounding vegetated areas (urban heat island effect).
- Topographic Influence: Northern Hills suburbs (Terrey Hills, elevation 200 m; Hornsby, elevation 120 m) experience adiabatic cooling at approximately 6.5°C per 1,000 m of altitude gain and receive orographic rainfall enhancement of 10-15% above coastal totals.
Sydney Meteorological Reference Resources
Extended analysis of Sydney's atmospheric systems, climate classification, and seasonal patterns:
- Sydney Climate Classification and Atmospheric Systems
- Sydney Summer Weather Safety: Heatwave and UV Exposure Protocols
- Sydney Seasonal Weather Comparison for Travel Planning
- ENSO (El Niño–Southern Oscillation) Effects on Sydney Rainfall
- Sydney Severe Thunderstorm Season: Frequency, Intensity, and Preparedness