Last year there were fires. This year it has been all about rain.

Sydney has seen a remarkable turnaround in weather over the last year.

In 2019, the city only received 851.8mm of rain. This was well below its long-term annual average of 1213.4mm and the lowest yearly total since 2005.

As of October 26, 2020, Sydney has already seen more than a year's worth of rain.

Image: Sparks flew over Sydney last week as more rain fell. Source: @glanzpunkt / Instagram

Sydney's Observatory Hill weather station received 43mm of rain during the 24 hours to 9am today. This was its best daily total since July and the 8th wettest day so far this year.

The latest rain brings Sydney's running annual total up to about 1245mm. The exact figure is unknown because the city's rain gauge was blocked on a day during September.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, there was "a gauge blockage on the 10th, on which it is estimated between 5 and 10 mm fell".

Using this range, Sydney's year-to-date rainfall would be between 1242.8mm and 1247.8mm.

Either way, it's just gone above the long-term annual average of 1213.4mm.

Looking ahead, the final two months of 2020 have the potential to deliver more heavy rain to Sydney.

In an average year, Sydney would receive a combined 161mm during November and December. However the end of 2020 will be affected by the rain-inducing La Niña in the Pacific Ocean.

Most international forecast models suggest that the current La Niña event will gain more strength in the coming weeks and peak around December.

So be sure to keep checking the Weatherzone radar before you head out to your next barbie.