A severe cold snap is set to impact much of south-eastern Australia this week, following a chilly King’s Birthday long weekend. States including Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia experienced frigid temperatures, but the cold air front is predicted to move northwards, bringing winter weather to Queensland as well.
The Bureau of Meteorology attributes the shift in conditions to a low pressure system in the Tasman Sea coupled with a high pressure system over the Great Australian Bight, resulting in cold, south-westerly winds affecting Queensland. Senior meteorologist Dean Narramore remarks that the ongoing cold weather from the weekend is now reaching northern and eastern parts of Australia.
Queenslanders should prepare for significant drops in temperature, with forecasts suggesting minimums may be between five to ten degrees below average. Brisbane is anticipated to experience cool nights, dipping to around 9 degrees and daytime highs of only 19 degrees throughout the week, while Ipswich may see minimum temperatures fall as low as 4 degrees.
Frosty mornings are expected in inland Queensland and northern New South Wales, contributing to an overall harsh winter atmosphere. Narramore warns of a substantial winter onset across these regions, with strong winds making it feel even colder.
In New South Wales, Sydney’s maximum temperature is expected to hover around 18 degrees, but minimums will struggle to reach double digits. Meanwhile, areas further west like Wagga Wagga may experience chilling lows of just 2 degrees, and Thredbo is forecasted to see temperatures plummet to -6 degrees.
The Bureau has also issued a gale warning for coastal areas stretching from the Macquarie Coast to Eden, signalling dangerous conditions. Over the weekend, substantial snowfalls ranging from 40 to 60 centimetres were recorded in alpine regions, with more snow observed in the Northern Tablelands as of early today.
In summary, residents in affected regions should brace for a prolonged period of cold weather, ensuring they stay warm as the icy conditions settle in across much of eastern Australia.