A lingering southerly change brings with it the first signs summer may be ebbing as Sydney faces what could potentially be the coldest day of the year so far.

The maximum temperature forecast for the city on Tuesday was 23 degrees, just one degree warmer than January 31 - the coldest day of the year thus far, Bureau of Meteorology spokeswoman Rebecca Kamitakahara said.

Overnight showers were expected to clear before dawn, making way for a cloudy day with windier conditions expected along the coast, “although that will ease later in the afternoon,” Ms Kamitakahara said.

The cool change follows a very hot and dry start to the year, and a very humid past fortnight with temperatures mostly in the high 20s and 30s. However the southerly winds are expected to keep conditions mild until the end of the week, when temperatures are expected to climb back into the mid to high 30s.

A powerful easterly swell from Tropical Cyclone Gita will cause waves to peak offshore about five metres on Tuesday Credit:Nick Moir

Monday's rain and the southerly change also coincided with a powerful easterly swell from Tropical Cyclone Gita, with waves anticipated to peak offshore about five metres on Tuesday.

with Georgina Cooke

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