Home › Weather › Sydney Weather Bomb Cyclone
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Southern Monitor Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
A bomb cyclone is forming off Australia’s east coast, set to bring heavy rain and damaging winds to Sydney from late Thursday into Friday. The low-pressure system is expected to deepen rapidly, with sustained winds near 60–70 km/h and gusts potentially over 90 km/h across coastal areas.
What is a bomb cyclone and how will it hit Sydney?
A bomb cyclone is a technical term for a low-pressure system that undergoes “explosive cyclogenesis” — its central pressure drops by at least 24 millibars in 24 hours. For Sydney, this means a tight pressure gradient, with wind speeds ramping up quickly. The system is tracking from the southern Tasman Sea, pushing a band of heavy rain and gale-force winds up the coast. The worst conditions are expected between 6am and 6pm Friday, with the rain band moving through the city and the strongest winds along the coast and in the eastern suburbs.
What should you do to prepare?
Secure loose outdoor items, check your gutters, and avoid parking under trees. The wind will be strong enough to bring down branches and cause minor structural damage. If you need to travel, delay until Saturday when conditions ease. For live tracking, check the Sydney weather radar for the rain band’s movement and the severe weather warning for updated wind zones.
Is this bomb cyclone dangerous?
Yes, but mainly for trees and loose objects. The wind is strong but not extreme — it’s a typical east coast low that hits Sydney a few times each year. Stay indoors away from windows.
Will the storm affect the weekend?
Yes, Friday is the worst day. By Saturday morning, the low moves south-east and winds drop to 20–30 km/h. Showers may linger but the danger passes. Check the weekend forecast for updates.
How does this compare to past cyclones?
It’s not a tropical cyclone — it’s a mid-latitude storm. The live ranking above shows this system’s pressure drop is moderate compared to severe east coast lows of the past. The main risk is the fast wind onset.