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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Dee Why, NSW

Dee Why, New South Wales· Northern Beaches Council· 2099
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Dee Why is a coastal suburb in Sydney facing increasing climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, which are expected to worsen with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
6.4

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.1/10

Dee Why is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves. Urban areas retain heat, leading to higher temperatures, especially during summer. Vulnerable populations are at increased risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.1

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Dee Why faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Dee Why Lagoon and the coast. Heavy rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and potential inundation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

6.4/10

Dee Why is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. The coastline is exposed to storm surges and wave action, which can exacerbate erosion and flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.9

2050

7.4

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.2/10

Bushfire risk in Dee Why is relatively low compared to other parts of NSW, but some areas near bushland reserves are still susceptible. Increased temperatures and drier conditions can elevate the risk during bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.7

2050

4.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties closer to the coast may experience price fluctuations due to erosion and flooding concerns.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Dee Why Lagoon
Elevation Range
0-30 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal and riverine floodplains

Dee Why Lagoon is a major factor in local flood risk. Council maintains flood maps and conducts regular risk assessments.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Garigal National Park
Planning Overlay
Some areas are within bushfire prone land
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Check RFS website for current fire danger ratings and prepare a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3.2 days

Plan ahead for heatwaves. Stay hydrated and seek air-conditioned environments during extreme heat.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2007
stormModerate

Severe storms caused flash flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure in Dee Why.

Source
2016
stormMajor

East coast low brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to significant coastal erosion and flooding in Dee Why.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions impacted vulnerable residents and increased demand for cooling.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in low-lying areas of Dee Why.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

HazardToday20302050
flood6.57.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire3.23.5(+0.3)3.9(+0.7)
heat7.17.7(+0.6)8.2(+1.1)
coastal6.47.0(+0.6)7.6(+1.2)

By 2030, Dee Why is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased coastal erosion, and a higher risk of flooding due to rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Improve stormwater drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Protect Coastal Ecosystems

Near-term

Implement measures to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and dunes, to buffer against coastal erosion and storm surges.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Create a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing information on heat safety.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Energy Efficiency

Long-term

Encourage residents and businesses to adopt energy-efficient practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise Awareness of Climate Risks

Immediate

Educate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Dee Why's Climate Risk Profile

Dee Why, located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's coastal location and low-lying areas make it particularly susceptible to flooding and coastal erosion. Rising sea levels and more intense storm surges pose a significant threat to properties and infrastructure along the coastline.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, impacting the health and well-being of residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban environment in Dee Why contributes to the urban heat island effect, exacerbating the impact of heatwaves.

Bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, but areas near bushland reserves still face a potential threat. Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the risk of bushfires during the fire season.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses. Implementing adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, protecting coastal ecosystems, and promoting energy efficiency, is crucial to building resilience and mitigating the impacts of climate change in Dee Why.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · Northern Beaches Council · NSW RFS

Local Government Resources

Northern Beaches Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Dee Why?

The main climate change risks in Dee Why are flooding, coastal erosion, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to rising sea levels, more intense rainfall events, and higher temperatures.

How will sea level rise affect Dee Why?

Sea level rise will exacerbate coastal erosion and increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas of Dee Why. Properties and infrastructure along the coastline are particularly vulnerable.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Dee Why?

The Northern Beaches Council is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, protecting coastal ecosystems, and promoting energy efficiency. They also have a climate change strategy in place.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Dee Why?

During heatwaves, it is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members. The council may also open cooling centers during extreme heat.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Dee Why?

You can find information about flood risks in Dee Why on the Northern Beaches Council website, including flood maps and risk assessments. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) also provides information and assistance during flood events.

Is my property in Dee Why at risk from bushfire?

Some areas of Dee Why, particularly those adjacent to Garigal National Park, are considered bushfire prone. Check the NSW Rural Fire Service website to determine if your property is at risk and prepare a bushfire survival plan.

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