Winter may still be weeks away, but Australia’s south-east is about to get a sneak peek this week. A cold front is sweeping across the region, bringing with it cooler temperatures, severe storms, and even the chance of snow. For those in Melbourne, Canberra, and beyond, it looks like the cold is arriving early.
Melbourne’s Chilly Weekend Ahead
In Melbourne, the forecast for this week is a tale of two extremes. Thursday will see warm temperatures, reaching a comfortable 27°C, but by Saturday and Sunday, things will cool off dramatically. Expect temperatures to dip to 17°C, with lows of around 10°C or even lower as the weekend rolls in.
It’s not just the cold that will make this weekend feel different, though. Showers are expected to continue throughout the week, with cloudy skies dominating the city. So, if you were planning to enjoy the outdoors, make sure to pack an umbrella. It’s Melbourne, after all!
Canberra, Adelaide, and Hobart Feeling the Chill
Further south, Canberra is set to experience even cooler conditions, with temperatures plunging as low as 2°C on Sunday and Monday. If you’re in Adelaide, expect lows of 9°C over the weekend, while Hobart won’t be far behind, with 7°C lows forecast, reports 9News.
But the real story is the snow. Yes, you read that right. Tasmania is expected to see snow at elevations as low as 600 metres, and Victoria might also get a dusting—though only in the higher regions above 1,000 metres. It’s an early-season reminder that winter is closer than it seems!
Severe Storms and Damaging Winds
As the cold front moves through on Thursday, it will bring with it more than just a temperature drop. Severe thunderstorms are expected to affect parts of southern South Australia, Victoria, and southern New South Wales. The storms will be accompanied by strong winds, with gusts of over 80 km/h expected in elevated areas. In alpine regions, those gusts could even reach 90-100 km/h.
In addition to the gusty winds, cold-air thunderstorms could bring hail, adding to the wintry feeling in the air. For many, this may be an unwelcome reminder that winter is just around the corner, and it’s coming in with a bang.
What’s Next?
As this cold front pushes through, a secondary trough is expected to sweep across the south-east by Friday, cementing the shift to wintry conditions. With temperatures expected to stay low through the weekend, it’s the perfect time to break out your winter wardrobe and get cozy at home.
While this early taste of winter may not last, it’s a reminder that the cold weather is always lurking, waiting to arrive just when you least expect it.
