Australia is experiencing a dramatic winter weather contrast, with Sydney basking in 25°C sunshine while Tasmania is blanketed in snow and Melbourne braces for wild storms. The Bureau of Meteorology reports that a cold front is moving across the country, bringing damaging winds and heavy rain to the south.
In Sydney, residents and tourists flocked to Bondi Beach on Thursday to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures reaching 25°C. Social media was filled with photos of the sun shining over the iconic harbour and Manly. However, forecasters warn that winds will pick up later in the day.
Meanwhile, Tasmania is being lashed by wild weather, with snow falling in Hobart and northern suburbs at risk of flooding. One person died after being struck by a falling tree in Launceston due to high winds. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded up to 65mm of rainfall in some regions in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning, and destructive winds have caused power outages.
Melbourne is bracing for a wintry front, with a huge storm cloud rolling in over the CBD on Thursday afternoon. The Bureau of Meteorology's Rod Dickson said the front would move through between 3pm and 4pm, bringing potentially damaging winds. Victorians have been warned to prepare for two seasons in one day, with mild morning conditions giving way to a cold, windy afternoon.
The weather is expected to cool down across the country on Friday, with Sydney dropping to 18°C, Melbourne to 11°C with possible hail, and Hobart to 8°C with snow in the mountains. Saturday will see colder conditions, with frost and possible showers in many areas.
