The Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse said Canberra reached its peak of 35 at 4.46pm, but by 6.30pm temperatures dropped to 22.2 degrees due to the damaging winds.

At 5.45 pm, the bureau said severe thunderstorms were detected on the weather radar near the Brindabella National Park, the Brindabella Ranges and Brindabella.

It said the thunderstorms affected Belconnen, Civic, Queanbeyan, Tuggeranong, Hall, Gungahlin, Canberra Airport, South Canberra, Weston Creek and Woden Valley.

There was also a severe thunderstorm warming for damaging winds for the South West Slopes, parts of the Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands, Central West Slopes and Plains, Riverina and Snowy Mountains districts. Locations which may be affected include Orange, Canberra, Cooma, Yass, Parkes and Wagga Wagga.

By 7pm thunderstorms had eased.

On Tuesday, the ACT was battered with heavy rain, hail and extreme wind conditions. The ACT Emergency Service Agency were called out to nine jobs, including three trees down. There were also reports trees and branches fallen on the Barton Highway, south of Murrumbateman, had affected traffic flow.

Ms Woodhouse said the winds would keep the capital cool on the weekend.

Saturday will see a minimum of 18 and maximum of 27 degrees, a partly cloudy day with a high chance of showers and an early morning thunderstorm.

"Over the weekend we'll see those temperatures drop right down and by Sunday we're seeing maximums of 22 and a minimum of 9 degrees, which is probably a great relief for people who don't like the really warm night," Ms Woodhouse said.

But, enjoy it while it last as conditions will be back in the 30 early next week, Ms Woodhouse said.

"Behind that front a high-pressure system that will develop and we'll see temperatures increase at the start of next week."

It'll be a mostly sunny day to start the working week, with a predicted 27 degrees. Temperatures will continue to rise throughout the week and remain dry.

Tuesday will be sunny, top of 30, Wednesday forecasted to be 33 before jumping to 36 on Thursday and 39 on Friday.