A string of blustery days that has seen SES crews respond to more than 3000 calls for help across the state has prompted warnings from emergency services: storm season is here, and it's time to prepare.
The mercury climbed to 29 degrees in the Hunter on Saturday. Still, a low-pressure trough crossing central parts of the state has forecasters tipping unsettled conditions on the horizon.
Sunday was expected to be cloudy with possible showers and the chance of a thunderstorm in the north.
The Bureau of Meteorology has indicated the risk of severe storms is increased for at least the start of the annual storm season, which typically runs from September through April, the SES said on the weekend.
Debbie Platz, the SES's acting commissioner, said severe weather could happen any time and urged residents nationwide to remain vigilant.
"While we are heading into a period where the risk of storms is increased, this year has demonstrated they can happen all year round," she said.
"I am urging communities to complete simple tasks to prepare their homes and protect their families.
"Have a home emergency plan and kit, clean your gutters, downpipes and drains, secure loose items around your backyard and balcony, and trim trees and branches that could fall onto your home."
Steve Bernasconi, of the Bureau of Meteorology, said the spring long-range forecast showed above-median rainfall across NSW this storm season was likely.
"While the overall flood risk has been assessed as near average, severe storms can bring significant rainfall in short periods, so flood risks remain for some catchments," Mr Bernasconi said.
"We are also likely to see above median maximum and minimum temperatures during spring."
The NSW SES has responded to more than 21,000 storm-related incidents over the past year. Of these incidents, 1358 occurred in the Wyong area, 1016 in Gosford, 904 in Sutherland, 835 in Wollongong and 680 in Ku-ring-gai.
