Australia’s eastern states can expect blizzard conditions, below-average temperatures, wind, rain and snow in coming days as an Antarctic air blast moves up from the Southern Ocean.
The weather bureau issued a warning at midday on Monday that “up to 20 million Australians across the east and south-east of the country” are set to shiver with significant cold, rain and snow on the way.
Jonathan How from the Bureau of Meteorology told the ABC the forecast cold front would likely bring heavy rain and snow down to 900 metres in South Australia from Tuesday before hitting the Grampians in Victoria and Central Highlands in Tasmania.
Heavy falls are expected in Victoria’s alpine regions just in time for this weekend’s opening of the ski season.
“It’s really looking like a multistate, multihazard event for millions of Australians – a bit of a rude shock to the system,” he said.
He said temperatures up to eight degrees below average would make conditions feel Antarctic. Adelaide, Melbourne and Hobart will particularly feel the pinch on Tuesday, while Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane will shiver throughout Wednesday and Thursday.
The front will bring heavy falls in most capital cities, followed by an icy blast and a coastal low that will bring rainfalls of between 50-100 millimetres in some regions.
Mr How told the ABC he did not rule out another East Coast low forming.
The snow is expected to make its way north, dusting the Blue Mountains and Central and Northern Tablelands in NSW. The hills around Canberra can also expect a coating.
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The Darling Downs in Queensland might get snow on Wednesday.
“For Queensland, it certainly is quite unusual but not unheard of,” Mr How said.
“They generally only see snow every two to three years.
“The last significant snowfall event for northern NSW and southern Queensland was back in 2015,” he told the ABC.
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