Honestly, if you're looking at the 14 day forecast sydney weather right now, you might want to rethink those beach plans for the immediate future. It is pouring. Like, really pouring. As of Saturday, January 17, 2026, Sydney is currently sitting under a heavy rain warning with temperatures hovering at a cool 69°F.
The humidity is basically at soup levels—84%—and the wind is whipping in from the southeast at 22 mph. It feels a bit like the city is being hosed down.
📖 Related: Weather in Teotihuacan Mexico: Why the Forecast Always Lies (Slightly)
The soggy reality of the next two weeks
Everyone thinks Sydney in January is all Bondi tans and ice cream. Usually, they're right. But this specific window in 2026 is proving to be what meteorologists are calling the "soggiest weekend of summer."
Today, we're looking at a high of 70°F and a low of 68°F. The chance of rain is a staggering 93%, and that's not just a light drizzle. We've got scattered thunderstorms on the menu. Tomorrow, Sunday, January 18, doesn't offer much of an escape either, with heavy rain expected to continue and a high staying right at 70°F.
Why is it so wet?
Basically, there’s a low-pressure system playing tag along the coast. While Western Australia is currently baking in a record-breaking heatwave—we're talking 47°C (116.6°F) in places like Marble Bar—Sydney is dealing with the opposite.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has been tracking intense rainfall just north of the city. Woy Woy and Brooklyn have already seen life-threatening flash flooding earlier today. In fact, Pearl Beach recorded 82.5mm of rain in just one hour this afternoon. That is a massive amount of water in a very short window.
When does the sun actually come back?
If you can hold out until Monday, January 19, things start to look up. Finally.
- Monday, Jan 19: The clouds break. It’ll be sunny with a high of 71°F. There’s still a 35% chance of a stray shower, but it’s a world away from the weekend’s deluge.
- Tuesday, Jan 20: More sun. High of 71°F. The UV index jumps back up to 10, so you'll actually need that sunscreen again.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: We keep the sunshine streak going. Lows will dip to 64°F at night, making it actually pleasant to sleep without the AC blasting.
By the time we hit the end of next week, Friday, January 23, the temperature starts to climb back into the mid-70s. We're looking at 74°F and partly sunny skies. It’s a slow recovery, but it’s happening.
The long-range outlook
Looking toward the end of the 14-day window, Saturday, January 24, through Tuesday, January 27, looks much more like the Sydney summer we know. Temperatures will hit 77°F by the 27th.
💡 You might also like: Finding Your Way: What the Florida Map Vero Beach Really Tells You About the Treasure Coast
The humidity stays around 69%, which is manageable. The wind shifts to the east, and the rain chances drop to near zero.
What most people get wrong about Sydney’s "La Niña"
You’ve probably heard people blaming La Niña for the rain. They aren't entirely wrong. Currently, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is in a weak La Niña state. The BoM reported a Niño 3.4 index value of -0.95°C earlier this month.
However, we are in a transition phase. Forecasters expect us to move into "ENSO-neutral" territory between now and March. This means the weather is becoming less predictable. When you don't have a strong climate driver, local systems—like the current low-pressure cell—have a lot more room to cause chaos.
Navigating the city during the deluge
If you're here right now, don't try to be a hero. The SES (State Emergency Service) has been flat out with over 880 requests for help across the state.
- Avoid the coast: Surf warnings are in place from Newcastle down to Batemans Bay. The swells at North Avalon have been massive and dangerous.
- Watch the drains: Flash flooding in Mona Vale and Palm Beach happened incredibly fast today. If a road looks flooded, don't drive through it. Seriously.
- Check the apps: The "Hazards Near Me NSW" app is actually useful for real-time flood updates.
Honestly, the best move for the next 48 hours is to find a museum or a very sturdy pub. The Australian Museum or the Art Gallery of NSW are great spots to hide from the 24 mph winds and heavy rain.
Actionable next steps
- Monitor the 48-hour window: If you have travel plans between Sydney and the South Coast, check for road closures. The low-pressure system is slow-moving and stubborn.
- Sun safety from Monday: Don't let the cool 71°F temps fool you. When the sun returns on Monday, the UV index is hitting 10 (Extreme). You will burn in minutes if you aren't careful.
- Water tank check: If you're a local, ensure your gutters are clear before the next round of thunderstorms hit tonight. With a 92% chance of heavy rain overnight, any blockages will cause issues fast.
The rain will pass, and the typical Sydney summer will return by mid-week. Until then, stay dry and keep an eye on those river levels.