Intense thunderstorms are expected to sweep across New South Wales on Friday afternoon and evening, ahead of predicted record temperatures in much of the country on the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of NSW, saying the weather could bring “large hailstones and damaging winds”.

It first warning, just after 2.30pm AEST, said locations likely to be affected included Taree, Orange, Dubbo, Port Macquarie, Mudgee and Parkes.

A detailed later warning was issued for parts of Sydney, Wollondilly/Wingecarribee and the Greater Wollongong areas.

Residents have been advised by the State Emergency Service to move vehicles under cover or away from trees, secure loose items around their home, and stay indoors.

A strong marine wind warning has also been issued by the BoM for Sydney enclosed waters, Macquarie Coast, Hunter Coast, Sydney Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast.

Meteorologist Angus Hines said the storms would be at their worst  between about 4pm and 8pm on Friday, but could continue into tomorrow further north.

“If these storms do ramp up and tend severe they could bring an array of impacts, including the potential for property damage, trees coming down, roofs blowing off, fences blowing over as those winds really race through,” Hines said.

He added that there was a risk strong winds could cause power outages on Friday afternoon and evening, while hail stones could “significantly and rapidly damage crops as they pass overhead.”

⚠️⛈️ 3:50pm: Detailed Severe Thunderstorm Warning for large #hail & damaging #wind in parts of the #Sydney area.

A severe storm may affect #SydneyAirport, #Liverpool & #Bankstown by 4:20pm and #SydneyCity, #BondiBeach & #Maroubra by 4:50pm.

Details: https://t.co/Ylo9rD3UVe pic.twitter.com/23jonHECPr

— Bureau of Meteorology, New South Wales (@BOM_NSW) October 17, 2025

The storm warning comes amid a spell of unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures in Sydney reaching more than 32C on Friday before the predicted change.

High temperatures are also expected over other parts of the country over the weekend and early next week.

“South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and even the ACT could all break their October heat records with maximums in the mid-40s as this event unfolds,” Weatherzone predicted.

“During the week, a large mass of hot air built up over north-west WA, with Mardie in the Pilbara reaching 43.5C on Monday and Tuesday, which is 8C above average for an October day.

“This heat is now spreading across the country, causing a huge pool of unseasonably warm temperatures in outback regions, while parts of south-eastern Australia closer to the coast will also experience a brief burst of unseasonable heat later in the weekend and into the new week.”

The hottest locations are likely to include Birdsville in Queensland (up to 45C), Oodnadatta and Tarcoola in South Australia (43-45C), and parts of the NSW Upper Western forecast district (43C).

After the potentially severe thunderstorms on Friday, Weatherzone said Sydney was expected to have a relatively cool Saturday, before the mercury starts rising again from the low 30s on Monday to a predicted high of up to 37C next Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Brisbane should reach 32C on Saturday, with Canberra forecast to record the same temperature on Monday and Tuesday, while Adelaide’s hottest day is likely to be Sunday (31C).

Meanwhile, Tasmanians will be freezing. Snow is forecast down to 700m above sea level from Friday evening and into Saturday as a cold front crosses the state.

“Maximums at places like kunanyi/Mt Wellington above Hobart will be below 5C at times over the next five to six days, meaning it’s possible that locations across Australia will see concurrent temperatures that are 40 degrees apart,” Weatherzone said.

Police reported on Friday that snow and strong winds have hampered the search for a bushwalker, Daryl Fong, who has been missing in the Mt Field National Park area, about 60km north-west of Hobart, since early Sunday morning.