Earlier this year, weather forecasters told us we were in for a balmy summer. Sydney, predictably, rejoiced – but as spring approaches and the rain keeps bucketing down, it’s understandable to wonder whether that warm, dry summer is still on the cards.
So far, we’ve already experienced the wettest Sydney has been in 27 years, with twice the monthly average rainfall recorded in the first two weeks of the month. According to Weatherzone, that’s the wettest start to August since 1998, with “the soggiest August weekend in nearly three decades” recorded as 90,000 runners battled through the downpours at the City2Surf.
Wondering when it’s coming to an end? Us too. Here’s what we know right now about Sydney’s rainy situation.
Why is it raining so much in Sydney?
A key cause of the heavy rainfall in Sydney right now is a weather system called a negative Indian Ocean Dipole (negative IOD) that formed over the Indian Ocean this winter. This weather pattern sees the eastern Indian Ocean (near Indonesia and northern Australia) become warmer than usual, while the western Indian Ocean (closer to Africa) becomes cooler. As the warm waters of the ocean evaporate, more clouds are formed and onshore winds become stronger, pushing rainfall onto Australia’s coast.
Is La Niña coming back to Sydney this summer?
According to the experts, it’s not out of the question. A negative Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) that has recently formed off the coast of Australia has led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to declare a La Niña watch for the next few months – watch this space.
When will the rain stop in Sydney?
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, we’re in for another six days of wet weather – with the rain due to continue (on and off) until next Sunday. The current forecast is predicting Wednesday and Thursday to be the rainiest days, with potential rainfall easing on Sunday, and Monday looking clear.
Weather forecasts are constantly changing, and that feels particularly true right now – you can stay up-to-date over here.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, things to do and travel inspo, straight to your inbox.