Australia Braces for First Autumn Cold Snap with Temperatures 12C Below Average
Millions of Australians are set to experience a significant and unexpected cold snap this weekend, marking the first major chill of autumn. Forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warn of rain, hail, and temperatures plummeting up to 12 degrees Celsius below seasonal averages across much of the country's southeast.
Widespread Impact Across Multiple States
The cold front, arriving from Thursday, will affect South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. BOM meteorologist Angus Hines stated on Tuesday that scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected in these regions, including parts of Tasmania, much of Victoria, sections of South Australia, NSW, and even the ACT.
'Friday will feel quite wintry with the coldest weather of the year for many,' the BOM cautioned. Large areas of southeastern Australia will be approximately 12C cooler than average, with temperatures only slowly rising over the weekend.
Detailed Forecast for Major Cities
Weatherzone attributes the wintry conditions to a pool of cold air moving across southeastern Australia. While most locations will see light rainfall, isolated heavy downpours are possible, particularly with thunderstorms.
Here is a breakdown of the forecast for key cities:
- Sydney: Friday's maximum will drop to 20C with very high chance of showers. Winds northwest to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
- Melbourne: Thursday's high of 18C, with very high chance of showers. Winds southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
- Brisbane: Remains warmer with Friday's maximum at 32C, mostly sunny.
- Adelaide: Thursday's high of 20C, medium chance of showers. Light winds becoming south to southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h.
- Perth: Friday's maximum 26C, very high chance of showers and possible thunderstorms.
- Canberra: Friday's high of 15C, very high chance of rain. Light winds becoming westerly 15 to 25 km/h.
- Hobart: Thursday's maximum 16C, very high chance of showers. Light winds becoming west to southwesterly 15 to 20 km/h.
- Darwin: Stays warm with Friday's high of 33C, medium chance of showers.
Specific Weather Threats and Warnings
Hines noted that Victoria will experience its last warm day for some time on Wednesday, with cold winds pushing through overnight leading to much chillier conditions on Thursday and Friday. In Tasmania, 'patchy, hit and miss wet weather' is forecast, with cool winds shifting to stronger and colder south-westerlies.
Showers are predicted across South Australia, with thunderstorms over the Eyre Peninsula potentially bringing damaging winds and hail in the coming days. A high-pressure system will influence Australia's south from Thursday night, exacerbating the cold conditions.
Residents across the southeast have been advised to prepare for cold, wintry weather setting in this week, with the BOM highlighting that while most areas will see light falls, isolated heavy rain is possible, especially with thunderstorms.
