Brace for Impact: Polar Winds Unleash Snow and 120 km/h Gusts—What You Need to Know!

An Antarctic blast has hit New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria, surprising everyone with snow just before spring starts. This rare event brought significant snow to places like Oberon and Orange.

The snowy weather came from polar winds that moved into South Australia on Friday. These winds dumped up to 77 centimeters of snow on alpine ski resorts and stretched into areas as low as 700 meters. Shooters Hill and Mount Trickett near Oberon saw cars and fields covered in white. The Blue Mountains experienced a light dusting at Mount Victoria during sunrise.

In Canberra, the snow-capped Brindabella range starkly contrasted the city skyline. It was a chilly night, with temperatures dropping to minus 6 degrees.

Mount Boyce near Blackheath recorded a temperature of 0 degrees around 6 a.m., but the wind chill made it feel as cold as minus 10. Gusty winds also played a significant role, with speeds reaching 120 km/h in parts of Victoria and NSW.

Fortunately, the Bureau of Meteorology lifted severe weather warnings on Saturday afternoon, as the winds calmed. The cold front is expected to shift east into the Tasman Sea by Sunday.

This weather phenomenon isn’t just interesting; it highlights some changing patterns in our climate. According to a 2023 report from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, unusual weather events, like early snowfalls, are becoming more frequent. Experts warn that these fluctuations may continue as global temperatures rise, leading to more extreme weather conditions.

While many people enjoy seeing snow, it’s crucial to remain alert to the changing climate. Snow in early spring is a reminder of how unpredictable our weather can be.



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