Severe thunderstorms could hit Sydney's west and Wollongong on Monday, with wild weather forecast across the eastern states this week

It's the time of year when temperatures and humidity rise, resulting in an atmosphere primed for severe thunderstorms.

The afternoon heat can feel oppressive as clouds form, looming overhead until the sky turns dark and the ominous rumble of thunder causes many to drive their cars undercover.

It's shaping up to be a stormy week in the eastern states, starting on Monday with a broad threat of thunderstorms from northern Queensland through New South Wales and Victoria to South Australia.

A high pressure system in the Tasman Sea and a low pressure system in the eastern interior will join forces and pull warm, moist air south from the tropics.

Meanwhile, a frontal system crossing the southeast will help create the perfect environment for showers and thunderstorms to develop across much of New South Wales.

While thunderstorms are normal this time of year, Monday's storms will target densely populated areas and could wreak havoc with flash flooding, damaging winds and large hail in the afternoon and evening.

Severe afternoon storms are most likely in the NSW Central West and Central Ranges – including Dubbo, Orange, the Blue Mountains, Sydney's west and Wollongong.

Daily showers and storms are then expected to hit several regions this week – meaning many will have to keep their umbrellas closed.

This comes after the Bureau of Meteorology predicted a turbulent week for large areas of NSW on Monday.

The central and eastern parts of the state are likely to be hit by showers with severe thunderstorms possible, it said.

Meanwhile, Sydney and Canberra will see highs of 25°C and 23°C respectively on Monday, while Newcastle will see highs of 24°C.

Tamworth and Albury will both see maximum temperatures of 22°C, while Coffs Harbor and Wollongong will reach 24°C and 23°C respectively.

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