Polar blast brings winter weather to southeast Australia this weekend
A rare polar blast will sweep snow, hail and severe storms across Victoria, Tasmania, NSW and the ACT from Saturday.
An unseasonable cold front is pushing down from the south, turning summer on its head just four weeks before the season officially arrives. Melbourne will hover around 15 degrees on Saturday.
Gusty winds will make it feel colder than 8 degrees. Hobart will drop to just 14 degrees, about five degrees colder than usual for November.
Snow is expected to fall in the NSW Alps down to about 800 metres by Saturday afternoon. Sydney faces an abrupt plunge when the cold air rushes in, with temperatures dropping more than 10 degrees in as little as an hour.
Severe thunderstorms are possible along a broad coastal stretch from the South Coast through to Newcastle. Tasmania will cop the heaviest rain, with up to 30 millimetres possible across Friday and Saturday.
Waves up to three metres will hit south-facing beaches.
- 15 degrees, feels like 8
- Melbourne Saturday high
- 5 degrees below November average
- Hobart temperature drop
- more than 10 degrees in an hour
- Sydney's rapid drop
- up to 30 millimetres
- Tasmania rainfall possible
Why it mattersIf you live in southeast Australia, prepare for a sudden shift: pack a jumper even though summer is close, secure loose outdoor items, and watch for hazardous travel conditions on Sunday.
AustraliaSoutheast Australia will see a dramatic weekend weather shift. Schools and outdoor events may face disruption. Beach and alpine areas should expect dangerous conditions.
