Residents of NSW will be greeted by heavy showers and wintry temperatures as they emerge from nearly four months of hard lockdown on Monday.

But the bleak weather outlook for so-called “freedom day” is unlikely to dampen spirits, with the reopening of hospitality venues, retail and gyms offering a wide variety of indoor entertainment options for the first time in 15 weeks.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology, a cold front approaching from the south will move across Sydney on Sunday afternoon, with showers becoming heavy in the evening and continuing into Monday.

Up to 25 millimetres of rain is expected on Sunday, with a further eight millimetres possible on Monday.

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Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Hugh McDowell said Sunday morning is likely to be dry before heavy rain develops in the afternoon, potentially accompanied by severe thunderstorms.

“On Monday things are clearing up, but not dramatically,” he said. “It’s still going to be raining on Monday.”

Mr McDowell said south-easterly winds would keep temperatures cool, with a maximum of 18 degrees expected.

Conditions are expected to ease throughout the day with the rain clearing by late afternoon.