Weather News

Bitter winds finally easing for Sydney

Sydney has been attacked by gale force winds since Friday morning, but relief will gradually arrive as winds begin easing today.

On Friday Sydney Airport had its strongest gust in nine years, reaching 106km/h. The harbour gusted to the same strength, its strongest in at least six years.

On Saturday winds were nearly as strong with both locations gusting to almost 80km/h.

These winds caused significant damage to property and power lines, with thousands of homes left without power.

Cold temperatures combined with these winds to add a bitter chill to the air. It was the coldest pair of August days in four years, with wind chill making it feel much colder than the mercury suggested.

Today will be an improvement on yesterday with less showers and less wind, however it will still be chilly. In eastern parts of Sydney much of the day will feel like 11 or 12 degrees in the wind. Western suburbs will have slightly lighter winds and more sunshine meaning that the day will feel more like 13 or 14 for most of the day, with a top of 16.

A large and dangerous swell was also whipped up by these fierce winds. The Manly Ferry ceased travelling at times and some boats have been washed up on shore. Waves are smashing against the coast at 8-10 feet for most beaches, making it wild and dangerous. The swell is following the wind pattern by beginning to decrease today, but waves will still be large tomorrow morning.

The severe weather has been due to a deep low pressure system off the New South Wales coast which has been driving gale force winds, dangerous surf and persistent showers onto the coast. The low is currently moving away from the coast, allowing all these aspects to ease today.

Sydney can expect a beautiful start to the week with mostly sunny skies and milder weather. Winds will become light and the temperature will tip 20 degrees each day from Tuesday until at least Thursday.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2012

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