A powerful polar blast is set to sweep across southeastern Australia this week, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures and significant snowfall to several regions. The cold front, originating from the Southern Ocean, will impact Tasmania, Victoria, and southern New South Wales from Wednesday, with snow expected to fall as low as 500 metres above sea level.
Two Cold Fronts Expected
According to Weatherzone, a second cold front will arrive on Friday, affecting Victoria, NSW, Tasmania, and the Australian Capital Territory. Tasmania is anticipated to receive the heaviest snowfall, with the wintry conditions extending as far north as Orange in NSW's central-west region.
"Snow accumulations across the two days should amount to approximately 10-20cm across the Victorian and NSW major resorts and about 3-8cm across the Tasmanian Central Plateau and the higher peaks in south-west Victoria," Weatherzone reported.
Temperature Drops Across Capitals
The cold front is expected to intensify from Thursday. Canberra will experience a low of -1 degree Celsius and a maximum of 8 degrees, while Hobart will reach 11 degrees, Melbourne 12 degrees, and Sydney a relatively warmer 19 degrees. South Australians may face their coldest day since last November, after enjoying balmy 30-degree weather earlier this month. Adelaide is forecast to reach just 16 degrees on Thursday, a stark contrast to April temperatures.
"It's the first winter cold front to brush across Adelaide," said Belinda House from the Bureau of Meteorology. "This is winter announcing itself."
Warnings Issued
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a warning for sheep graziers in Victoria's south-west for Wednesday evening, citing a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to the conditions. Marine wind warnings are also in place for several areas across Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania on Wednesday.
The winter blast is expected to be brief, with average autumn temperatures returning by the weekend. However, the tail end of the polar blast may bring cold temperatures, brisk winds, and lingering showers, particularly over higher ground.
City Forecasts
Sydney: Thursday partly cloudy with a slight chance of a shower, min 12, max 19. Friday sunny, min 9, max 22. Saturday mostly sunny, min 11, max 21.
Melbourne: Thursday cloudy with a very high chance of showers and possible small hail, min 7, max 14. Friday cloudy with a very high chance of showers, min 10, max 17. Saturday cloudy with a high chance of showers, min 11, max 17.
Hobart: Thursday partly cloudy with a high chance of showers, min 6, max 13. Friday cloudy with a high chance of showers, min 9, max 15. Saturday cloudy with a slight chance of a shower, min 10, max 18.
Canberra: Thursday cloudy with a high chance of showers and possible small hail, min 3, max 12. Friday partly cloudy with a slight chance of a shower, min 0, max 15. Saturday patchy frost and fog in the morning, then sunny, min 1, max 17.
Adelaide: Thursday cloudy with a slight chance of a shower, min 10, max 17. Friday cloudy with a medium chance of showers, min 11, max 18. Saturday cloudy with a slight chance of a shower, min 11, max 19.
