It was like New Year's Eve all over again except this time, the light show didn't cost taxpayers a cent, and you didn't need a pass for the best view in the house.

The skies of southern Sydney were ablaze on Tuesday evening as a dramatic, prolonged lightning show brought people out of their houses to gasp in awe at one of nature's true wonders.

Image: Much better than the NYE fireworks. Source: Anthony Sharwood

Storms had also struck Sydney on Monday, dumping brief heavy rain and delivering up to 38,000 lightning bolts in the Sydney area.

But this was different. No rain, no thunder. Just an incredible display of sheet lightning in the skies towards Wollongong, which seemed to last for hours, and which drew throngs of Sydneysiders out into the streets.

This reporter's kids were even observed gazing skywards instead of sitting indoors staring at screens for a few precious minutes!

What a spectacular finish to an absolutely stunning day in Sydney. The raw power of a massive storm always fills me with wonder and awe. Easily the best day of summer so far, and will take some beating☀�🌩 @bairdjulia #storm #lightning pic.twitter.com/lPScw8FRwJ

— Dr Darren Saunders (@whereisdaz) January 5, 2021

"Sheet lighting simply refers to one or more lightning pulses that occur within a cloud," Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino explained.

"As this obscured lightning illuminates the surrounding clouds, it causes a sheet-like display of light across the sky."

This radar image late on Tuesday evening shows the lightning pulses south of Sydney.

Sydney will be mild with a top temperature around 24 degrees on Wednesday. There's the chance of a shower or two but storms are unlikely.