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Climate Risk in Westmead, NSW

Westmead, New South Wales· Parramatta· 2145
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Westmead is a suburb in Sydney with a moderate climate risk profile. The primary concerns are flooding and heatwaves, which are expected to worsen with climate change. Bushfire and coastal risks are relatively low.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Westmead

increasing

Flood

60/100

Westmead faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

30/100

Westmead has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Westmead experiences a high heat risk, particularly during summer months. Urban heat island effect and climate change are contributing to rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Climate change
stable

Coastal

10/100

Westmead is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

39/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Westmead

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Westmead experiences a high heat risk, particularly during summer months. Urban heat island effect and climate change are contributing to rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Climate change
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Westmead faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Westmead is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Westmead has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could elevate the risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Potential for minor price impacts in flood-prone areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's heat resistance.
  • 3.Consider water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Parramatta River
Elevation Range
20-40 meters
Flood Zone
Partially within flood zone

Some areas of Westmead are prone to flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5-10 km
Planning Overlay
Not significantly affected by bushfire overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
No

The risk is low due to the urban nature of the suburb.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Westmead experiences several days above 35°C during summer.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
30 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
No direct exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
No erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of Westmead, disrupting traffic and affecting some properties.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased heat stress and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2016
stormMinor

A severe storm caused localized flooding and power outages in Westmead.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Westmead is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a heightened risk of flooding due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase. Coastal risks remain negligible.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Immediate

Upgrade and expand drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water conservation measures to reduce water demand and manage water resources effectively.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Create a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Westmead's Climate Risk Profile

Westmead, located in Western Sydney, faces increasing climate-related challenges. The suburb's proximity to waterways makes it susceptible to flooding, and the urban environment contributes to the urban heat island effect, exacerbating heatwave impacts.

Climate change projections indicate a rise in average temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events. This will likely lead to increased flood risk due to more intense rainfall and higher heat stress during summer months. While bushfire risk is currently low, drier conditions could increase the potential for bushfires in surrounding areas.

Local authorities are implementing strategies to mitigate these risks, including improving drainage infrastructure and increasing green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take proactive measures to adapt to the changing climate.

Understanding the specific risks and taking appropriate adaptation measures is crucial for ensuring the long-term resilience of Westmead. This includes investing in flood-resistant infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and implementing heat mitigation strategies.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SES NSW · RFS NSW · City of Parramatta Council

Local Government Resources

City of Parramatta Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Westmead?

The main climate risks in Westmead are flooding and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How is the council addressing flood risk in Westmead?

The City of Parramatta Council is upgrading drainage infrastructure and implementing flood management strategies to reduce flood risk.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Westmead?

Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

Is Westmead in a bushfire-prone area?

While Westmead itself is not highly bushfire-prone, surrounding areas may be at risk. Residents should stay informed about bushfire safety.

Where can I find more information about climate change impacts in Westmead?

You can find more information on the City of Parramatta Council website and the NSW Government environment website.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Westmead, use our analysis tool.

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