Temperatures set to plunge as heavy rain hits east coast

Millions of people basking in unseasonably warm conditions today should make the most of it before the arrival of heavy rain and plunging temperatures.

The mercury will climb to 30 degrees in Sydney today – more than 10 degrees above the spring average – but by midday tomorrow residents in the city’s west experience temperatures falling to 10 degrees.

The city and large parts of New South Wales are also heading for a drenching.

The Bureau of Meteorology says a front will begin moving across the south-east of the state, including the South Coast, Illawarra and Sydney from late today and into tomorrow.

On Friday and over the weekend the front is expected to intensify and move to the north-east of the state.

The bureau is forecasting widespread rainfall of 40mm to 60mm, with isolated falls of up to 80mm possible in some parts.

The NSW State Emergency Service has begun preparing for possible flooding ahead of the volatile weather.

Residents are urged to prepare their homes before heavy rain and wind hits by cleaning gutters, tying down loose objects such as trampolines, and parking cars away from trees.

They are also being reminded to avoid driving, riding or playing near flood waters.

The rain band is predicted to stretch over 80 per cent of Australia before making way for warmer and drier conditions by next week.