Australia’s southern coastline is bracing for an influx of cold weather as an Antarctic air mass sweeps through the region. On Monday, residents of Tasmania, Victoria, southern New South Wales (NSW), and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) will experience plummeting temperatures, coupled with strong winds and rain, with the possibility of snowfall in mountainous areas.
Meteorological experts at Weatherzone have indicated that this new air mass is notably “stronger, colder, longer-lasting and wetter” compared to the previous front that brought chilly conditions to the area just last weekend. The advancing cold front is anticipated to transport frigid air northwards, yielding potentially significant snowfall for this time of year.
In particular, light snowfall amounts are expected in Canberra and Tasmania, with projections suggesting around 50 centimetres in elevation. Additionally, certain regions of Victoria and South Australia may receive at least 10 millimetres of rain, which could represent some of the heaviest rainfall these areas have seen this year. For instance, parts of Adelaide have recorded merely 30.8 millimetres so far in 2023.
Most of Tasmania is set for particularly heavy rain on Monday, and the system is forecasted to generate intense winds, especially in alpine regions and exposed coastal areas of Victoria and Tasmania. Wind gusts may reach as high as 100 kilometres per hour, as noted by Weatherzone. While NSW may not see significant rainfall, it is still expected to contend with strong gusts that could lead to fallen trees and power outages.
Overall, this sudden shift in weather signifies a notable change for Australia’s southern regions, impacting daily life and potentially leading to hazardous conditions in some areas. Residents are advised to prepare accordingly as this Antarctic air mass moves in.