A deep low over the Tasman Sea has been responsible for recent heavy downpours over coastal NSW. Throughout Sydney, the Hunter and Illawara, rainfall totals have generally been double the July average, with the Hunter region receiving the highest totals. The wettest place in NSW for the last four days has been Mereweather, near Newcastle, which has recorded 332mm. This has made it their wettest July in at least 21 years. Sydney has received 277mm so far this month, nearly three times the average, making it the wettest July since 1950. The low pressure system has focused rainfall along the coastline with little reaching the water catchments. Monthly rainfall totals west of the NSW ranges are expected to remain below average. The low is slowly moving southeast towards New Zealand, causing winds and showers to persist on Saturday but ease on Sunday. Sunshine should return to coastal NSW on Monday.