Australia's east coast is enduring a cold snap as a cold front moves through New South Wales and Victoria, bringing below-average temperatures, frost, and damaging winds. The Bureau of Meteorology forecasts temperatures 2°C to 6°C below average for most of NSW and Victoria, extending into southern Queensland.
Snowfall is expected on the southern ranges of NSW and the ACT above 1,100 metres, with blizzard conditions in alpine areas of Victoria. Severe wind warnings have been issued, with gusts up to 120 km/h predicted for high country areas in Victoria, NSW, the ACT, and parts of South Australia.
Regional NSW saw freezing temperatures over the weekend, with Goulburn dropping to -10°C on Saturday and Cooma to -10°C on Sunday. Frost is expected to be widespread across Victoria, NSW, and into southern and central Queensland by Thursday and Friday, with overnight lows between -2°C and 2°C in southern inland Queensland.
Daytime temperatures are forecast to be slightly warmer later in the week, returning closer to average. Melbourne will see highs of 11°C on Wednesday, rising to 14°C by the weekend, while Sydney will reach 18°C on Wednesday and 19°C on Sunday. Brisbane will enjoy milder weather, with highs around 23°C on Wednesday.
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines noted that wind warnings cover most mountain ranges in NSW and the ACT, as well as the north-east coast of Tasmania and Bass Strait. Community information officer Daniel Hayes reminded residents that winter conditions persist, especially in higher country areas.
