Sydney's coldest summer start since 1960

Sydney has recorded its coldest start to summer in half a century embarking on an eight day of temperatures below 23 degrees.

Sydney has recorded its coldest start to summer in half a century, enduring the longest stint of days below 23 degrees.

In the city yesterday the temperature peaked at 22C and according to the Bureau of Meteorology Thursday's temperature is expected hit a mere 21 degrees making it the eighth consecutive day below 23 degrees.

According to Dick Whitaker, chief meteorologist at the Weather Channel, it has been Sydney's coolest first week of December since 1960.

"The cool temperatures are the result of persistent southerly winds and cloud cover," Mr Whitaker said.

But the cold snap won't be here for long.

"There will be a slow rise in temperatures towards the weekend ... rising to 24 degrees Celsius on Friday," he said.