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The sea off the New South Wales coast is so warm it could support a tropical cyclone, according to the hard science.
The temperature in the Tasman Sea off Coffs Harbour, on the state's Mid North Coast, and north is currently 26.5 degrees - two to three degrees above the average for late summer, reports Weatherzone.
In theory that would be enough for a tropical cyclone to draw the required energy.
"Ocean temperatures of at least 26.5 degrees, from the surface down to 50 metres deep, are needed to provide sufficient energy to [a tropical] disturbance to turn it into a tropical cyclone. Heat energy from warm water helps keep circulating winds moving," according to the University of Western Australia.
Current temperature recordings of the seas off the north-eastern NSW coast and south-eastern Queensland coast show the ocean temperature at 50 metres below the surface hit that mark on Monday.
This exceptional temperature would be enough for a tropical cyclone to develop.
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It's important to note current weather modelling does not suggest any tropical cyclone activity off the north-east coast of NSW during the next two weeks.
The remnants of tropical cyclones have previously tracked south to NSW after impacting Queensland and the Northern Territory.
The most recent was ex-tropical cyclone Kirrily which moved into the state last week, causing heavy rainfall and flooding in western regions.
The abnormally warm waters off the NSW and Queensland coasts have also brought record-breaking humidity to NSW in recent weeks.
Sydney on January 11 recorded its muggiest day on record when evaporated moisture from warm water flowing near the coastline was carried into the Sydney Basin by onshore winds.
The impact of the warm ocean will be felt the remainder of this week.
Damp air from the Tasman Sea will feed into a coastal trough in NSW, bringing short but heavy rain showers.