Parts of NSW sweltered through record high temperatures and severe fire danger on Sunday, with the hot weather lasting well into the afternoon.
Most parts of the state will be in for a reprieve on Monday, although some parts of western Sydney and broader NSW can expect to continue suffering through the heat.
By mid-afternoon many parts of NSW were still suffering under temperatures that were getting close to hitting the November record of 46.6 degrees Celsius, before rain provided some relief.
Some children's sports matches were cancelled as the high temperatures proved too much.
Richmond reached its highest November temperature since records began in 1939 about 3:30 pm, hitting 45.3 degrees.
At the same time, Penrith hit 44.9, and Cessnock Airport 44.5.
A spokesman for the Rural Fire Service said more than six water-bombing aircraft were used throughout the day to fight fires across the state, with three remaining at "watch and act" status by Sunday afternoon, but no property losses.
"Certainly, the temperatures have been way up there, along with the winds," he said.
But while Sunday had seen seven total fire bans in place and a number of severe fire danger warnings, Monday was expected to have only one total fire ban, in the Dubbo area.
"Things are looking to back-off a little, and on the coastal areas things won't be so hot," he said.
Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Peter Zmijewski said the top temperature in the state was in the Wanaaring area, which reached 46 degrees.
"We won't be seeing those widespread, very high temperatures [on Monday], although it will remain hot in some parts of the north-east of the state, around the north-west slopes and plains and the upper-Hunter," he said.
On Monday, Sydney is expected to see a top of 30 degrees, with a 70 per cent chance of rain. Tuesday and Wednesday will see tops in the mid-20s, with a medium chance of rain.
Although parts of western Sydney would still see temperatures in the early to mid 30s, he said.
The Bureau of Meteorology had revised earlier predictions that inner and coastal Sydney would be hit with unusually high November temperatures on Sunday.
But people swimming in the eastern suburbs beaches were treated to another unusual sight - a strange sea fog that moved around the Coogee area for much of the day.
Mr Zmijewski said it was hard to know what was causing the fog, as it would usually occur further out to sea where it was not closely observed.
"Most of the time it is what we call a 'steaming fog', in other words some warm, moist air moving over cooler water," he said. "It could also be caused by cold currents coming through".
Edison Bayas, an under-13s coach for the Sydney Falcons, said some children's soccer matches had been cancelled.
"It certainly was tough out there for the boys who played," he said. "There were lots of ice-bucket challenges on the side-lines... but you can't push it - it's about the welfare of the children". He said the rubber in the pitches made them easier to use in rain, but heated them up by several degrees in the heat.
Eric Myatt, the executive officer for the NSW District Cricket Association, said he had not heard of any children's cricket matches being cancelled.
"We manage the games and just keep the drinks flowing," he said. Umpires at each ground would call off matches if it got to hot, as well as using techniques such as spraying players on the field with water, he said.
