Australia’s southern states and the west are bracing for a significant cold snap over the coming week, marked by strong winds, rainfall, and possible snowfall.
A low-pressure system is moving across southern Australia, beginning today and expected to remain in place until mid next week. Western Australia will experience the first impacts, with rain and thunderstorms hitting the region today and tomorrow. Perth is forecasted to receive between 20mm and 50mm of rain over this period, with lighter showers extending to the Gascoyne and Pilbara regions.
Following its initial impact in Western Australia, the weather system is set to shift southeast and east between Sunday and Wednesday. This will bring similar wintry conditions—including rain and strong winds—to parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
In Adelaide, temperatures will peak at 22 degrees Celsius on Sunday, dipping to 15 degrees by Tuesday. Meanwhile, Sydney is predicted to hit lows to mid-20s on Tuesday, before dropping to around 18 degrees on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, rainfall will be widespread across the Murray-Darling Basin due to an influx of pre-frontal moisture. This precipitation may manifest as snow and hail in southern regions, emphasising the system’s wintry characteristics.
Despite the cold weather, the wintry conditions are expected to be short-lived, with warmer temperatures returning after the front passes. Severe weather warnings are anticipated as the cold front approaches, alerting residents to potential hazards.
As the weather unfolds, communities are urged to stay informed and prepare for the changing conditions.