Heatwave Warning: Sydney and New South Wales
Issued: Friday, 19 December 2025
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued heatwave warnings for large parts of New South Wales, including the Sydney Metropolitan area, as a hot air mass moves across the state this weekend.
Current Warning Status
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Extreme Heatwave Warning: South Coast.
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Severe Heatwave Warning: Sydney Metropolitan, Illawarra, Hunter, Mid North Coast, Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, North West Slopes and Plains, South West Slopes, Riverina, Snowy Mountains, and Northern Tablelands.
Forecast Highlights
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Sydney (City): Maximum temperatures are expected to reach 31°C to 35°C through to the weekend.
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Western Sydney: Conditions will be significantly hotter, with temperatures forecast to approach 40°C today and Saturday.
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Regional NSW: Many inland and coastal areas will experience temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s, with overnight minimums remaining in the high teens to mid-20s, providing little relief from the heat.
Safety Advice and Actions
The BOM and health authorities advise taking the following precautions during severe and extreme heatwaves:
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
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Seek Shade and Coolness: Stay indoors with air conditioning or fans. If unavailable, visit public cool spots like shopping centres, libraries, or community hubs.
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Check on Others: Look in on elderly relatives, neighbors, and those with pre-existing medical conditions who may be more vulnerable.
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Limit Activity: Avoid strenuous outdoor exercise and stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (usually 11:00 am to 5:00 pm).
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Protect Pets: Ensure animals have plenty of water and a cool, shaded place to rest.
Weather Outlook
While the heat is the primary concern, a low-pressure trough may bring thunderstorms to parts of southeastern NSW from Friday into the weekend. Some storms could become severe, bringing the risk of heavy rain and damaging winds alongside the high temperatures.
Stay Updated: Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings via the BOM website or the BOM Weather app.
Would you like to check the specific forecast for your suburb or provide more detailed safety tips for pets during this heatwave?
BOM Weather Update for South-East Australia This video provides the latest meteorological breakdown of the heatwave and unsettled conditions currently impacting New South Wales.
