Blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, damaging winds mark frigid start to Australia's snow season
A cold snap and snowfall is set to hit parts of south eastern Australia this King's Birthday long weekend, marking the start of the Australian snow season.
Blizzard conditions, heavy snowfall, and damaging winds are expected to impact regions across New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania.
A series of cold fronts from the Southern Ocean are already bringing icy temperatures, showers, possible hail and snow to the south.
Snow is falling as low as 1100m and may descend even further by Sunday, with the heaviest snowfall projected to hit alpine areas and the Grampians.
Fresh snowfall also hit Perisher resort on Friday night with 5cm of snowfall hitting the mountains.
More snowfall is set to hit the region, with over 40cm of snow predicted to fall over the next few days.
A top of 1C and strong, north-westerly winds are forecast for the resort on its first open weekend for the season.
Elsewhere, the Bureau of Meteorology is warning of dangerous travel conditions due to black ice and reduced visibility, especially for those heading to ski resorts for the weekend.
In South Australia, severe weather warnings have been issued for damaging winds averaging 55 to 65 km/h, and gusts exceeding 90 km/h reported in areas like Cape Borda and Stenhouse Bay.
These conditions have disrupted transport services, resulting in ferry cancellations on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Eastern States have also recorded their coldest mornings of the year, with temperatures plunging to -7C in Goulburn, -4C in Canberra, 7C in Sydney and 4C in Melbourne.
Here's what to expect across the country's capital cities this long weekend.
Sydney
Sydneysiders can expect a mostly sunny day on Saturday with a top of 20C and a low of 10C.
On Sunday the city can expect a windy day with a top of 17C and a low of 8C.
Melbourne
In Melbourne, the city should expect possible showers with a top of 14C and a low of 7C.
On Sunday, Melbourne can expect heavy showers with a top of 10C and a low of 8C.
Brisbane
Those in Brisbane can expect a mostly Sunday day with a top of 25C and a low of 10C.
On Sunday the city should expect a top of 23C and a low of 9C.
Adelaide
In Adelaide on Saturday showers and strong winds are expected with a top of 14C and a low of 8C.
On Sunday the city can expect some showers with a high of 12C and a low of 7C.
Perth
In Perth on Saturday a sunny day is forecast, with a top of 20C and a low of 9C.
On Sunday a high of 22C is expected with a low of 8C.
Hobart
Those in Hobart can expect a few showers on Saturday with a high of 13C and a low of 6C.
On Sunday rain is forecast with a high of 11C and a low of 8C.
Canberra
Canberra residents can expect a chilly weekend with a high on Saturday of 9C and a low of 5C.
On Sunday the nation's capital can expect a few showers with a low of 7C and a low of 2C.
Darwin
Up in Darwin a mostly sunny day is forecast for Saturday with a high of 32C and a low of 22C.
On Sunday a high of 31C and a low of 19C is forecast.
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