This post reviews a late‑season cold front that swept through south‑eastern Australia over the weekend. It produced widespread snow, hail, storms and damaging winds just as spring was due to begin.
Drawing on Bureau of Meteorology observations and on three decades of meteorological experience, I explain where the coldest air hit and the most notable impacts. I also discuss what to expect in the immediate aftermath.
A powerful late‑season cold front and its character
The system was the third cold front to cross the region in a week. It carried the coldest air mass of the series and delivered the most significant impacts.
This resulted in snow down to low elevations and intense wind gusts across alpine and coastal locations. Convective activity included hail and isolated tornadoes.
Cold fronts that arrive at the cusp of seasonal change can be among the most dynamic. They interact with warming surface temperatures and residual moisture to produce rapid shifts in weather conditions over short timeframes.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Sarah Scully noted snow as far north as the northern tablelands of New South Wales. Snowfall was also observed as low as 400 m in Tasmania.
Where snow, hail and storms were reported
Snow and wintry showers were reported across a wide geographic spread, from inland tablelands to Tasmanian high country. Below are the key locations and notable observations from the event:
Hail and convective cells accompanied the frontal passage in several areas. This is typical when unstable cold air overrides relatively warmer surfaces ahead of the front.
Strong winds, timing and immediate aftermath
Wind was a primary hazard with this system, particularly across Victorian alpine areas and coastal Melbourne. Gusts reached damaging levels and prompted weather warnings while the front passed through.
Melbourne experienced the frontal passage around midnight Friday. Conditions were particularly severe at that time before the system pushed into the Tasman Sea on Saturday.
By Saturday evening, winds had eased and official warnings were lifted across Victoria and New South Wales.
Recorded wind gusts and local effects
These gusts are sufficient to cause isolated structural damage, topple trees and disrupt transport links. In South Australia there were reports consistent with small tornadoes in suburban Adelaide.
Fortunately winds there remained in the damaging rather than fully destructive range.
After the front cleared, clear skies overnight allowed temperatures to plummet. This produced widespread frost across inland parts of south‑eastern and eastern Australia on Sunday morning.
Practical implications and what to watch next
For residents and services, the key takeaways are preparedness for abrupt weather swings in shoulder seasons. Attention to frost advisories for sensitive agriculture is also important.
Transport and power utilities should review storm impacts where gusts exceeded 100 km/h. Visitors to alpine areas must remain mindful of sudden snowfall even as spring approaches.
Keep following Bureau of Meteorology updates for short‑term forecasts and warnings. Localized hazards such as hail, sudden snow, and wind gusts are often the greatest risk to life and infrastructure.
Here is the source article for this story: Winter delivers final blast of cold weather, bringing snow and strong winds to Australia’s south-east