Brace for Impact: Polar Winds Unleash Snow and 120 km/h Gusts!

An Antarctic blast has hit New South Wales and Victoria, bringing an unexpected snow blanket just before spring. Areas like Oberon and Orange woke up to snow, thanks to polar winds that swept in from South Australia. These winds dumped nearly 77 centimeters of snow in ski resorts and even reached lower areas, dropping snow at elevations of around 700 meters.

The scenery was stunning. Tents, cars, and fields in places like Shooters Hill and Mount Trickett were covered in a white layer. Mount Victoria in the Blue Mountains received a light dusting that was especially pretty at sunrise.

In Canberra, the snow-capped ridgeline of the Brindabellas created a picturesque backdrop as temperatures dipped to minus 6 degrees. Over at Mount Boyce near Blackheath, the temperature hit 0 degrees early in the morning, but with the wind chill, it felt as cold as minus 10 degrees.

These weather events aren’t just random; they often come with strong winds, too. In some areas of Victoria and NSW, gusts reached up to 120 km/h. The Bureau of Meteorology issued weather warnings but later lifted them as conditions improved on Saturday.

It’s fascinating to see how weather patterns evolve. Historically, late winters like this remind us of climate fluctuations that have happened over the years. In recent years, extreme weather events have become more frequent. For instance, reports indicate that severe cold snaps in Australia are more common when polar air masses shift.

Finally, the snow cover is not just a delight for the eye; it can also be a boon for local tourism. Ski resorts often see a surge in visitors during such weather, which is critical for their economic health. As the cold front eases and moves out to the Tasman Sea, it’s a reminder of the unpredictable nature of our climate and the beauty that can emerge unexpectedly.

For weather updates and more insights, you can check trusted sources like the Bureau of Meteorology.

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