A fierce Antarctic cold front has slammed into Australia's east coast, plunging major cities into a deep freeze not seen in years. Residents from Brisbane to Melbourne are waking up to icy conditions, with the mercury dropping to record lows for May.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued severe weather warnings as the polar blast, originating from the Southern Ocean, continues to grip the region. Social media is flooded with images of frosted car windscreens, icy lawns, and even rare snowfall in areas unaccustomed to such wintry scenes.
Metropolitan Mayhem: A City-by-City Breakdown
Sydney has borne the brunt of the freeze, with temperatures in the western suburbs, particularly Penrith and Camden, plummeting to a bone-chilling -1.1°C overnight. The city's iconic skyline provided a stark backdrop for the unusually frigid morning.
Further south, Melbourne residents endured a bitter start, with temperatures hovering just above zero. The cold snap has disrupted morning commutes and seen Melburnians digging out their heaviest winter coats much earlier than usual.
Even sub-tropical Brisbane hasn't been spared. While not as severe as its southern counterparts, the Queensland capital is experiencing its coldest spell this season, a shock to the system for its sun-loving inhabitants.
Beyond the Cities: Widespread Frost and Travel Disruption
The freeze's impact extends far beyond the urban centres. The New England region, including towns like Armidale and Glen Innes, has been transformed into a winter wonderland, with a thick blanket of snow causing havoc on the roads.
"It's exceptionally cold for this time of year," a BoM spokesperson confirmed. "These conditions are being driven by a pool of cold Antarctic air combined with clear skies and light winds, allowing temperatures to drop dramatically overnight."
Authorities are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution, warning of black ice on roads and significantly reduced visibility in areas affected by frost and fog. The unseasonable weather is also posing a serious threat to agricultural interests, with farmers scrambling to protect vulnerable crops from the frost.
As Australians across the east coast layer up and brace for more cold nights, all eyes are on the forecast for any sign of a return to the more familiar, milder autumn weather.
