Sydney is in for another burst of summer-like heat, as a series of troughs draw in some of the hot air massing over central Australia.

The mercury in the city will climb to 38 degrees on Friday, according to updated forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, after reaching about 27 degrees on Thursday.

The beach may be the place to head over the next few days, particularly if you live in western Sydney. Credit:Sculpture by Peter Tilley, photo by Peter Rae

Many western suburbs sweltered in temperatures well above 30 degrees on Thursday, with 35 degrees reached in Bankstown and 37 in Penrith.

Residents, particularly in the west, will feel as if they are in the middle of summer from Thursday until Monday.