As the biting winds of a polar air mass sweep across the eastern seaboard, thousands of Australians have awakened to the coldest morning of the year so far. From Sydney to Hobart, the mercury has plunged, leaving residents reaching for extra layers and hot cups of coffee to ward off the chill.
In Sydney, suburbs awoke to temperatures hovering between 7°C and 9°C, a sharp reminder that winter is fast approaching. Meanwhile, the capital city of Canberra dipped to a bone-chilling -3°C, while Hobart recorded a modest 4°C. However, it was Liawenee in Tasmania that clinched the title of the coldest spot overnight, with temperatures plummeting to a frosty -5°C.
The cold snap hasn’t spared Queensland either, with Mackay waking up to a brisk 9°C and Townsville shivering at just 13°C, marking their coldest morning of 2024. Even areas as far north as Queensland are not immune to the icy grip of this polar blast.
Clear and windless skies over the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales created a picturesque hoar frost, adding a touch of magic to the frosty morning. However, as the cold front moves eastward, parts of the NSW Central Coast are bracing for showers throughout Monday, signaling that winter weather is settling in.
While the east coast battles the cold, Western Australia continues to enjoy a warmer-than-average May. Perth is forecasted to experience breezy conditions with a maximum of 27°C, a stark contrast to the frosty conditions gripping the east.
Looking ahead, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts a southerly airstream across Victoria as a high-pressure system moves eastward. This system is expected to linger near Kangaroo Island before extending a ridge over western Victoria, maintaining the chilly conditions for the region.
In the capital cities, residents are adjusting to the sudden drop in temperatures. Hobart is set for a maximum of 13°C, Melbourne anticipates a high of 14°C with possible rain, while Adelaide can expect a warmer change with a maximum of 19°C and showers in certain areas. In Canberra, patches of frost and fog greet residents with a maximum of 16°C, while Sydney braces for a high of 19°C with blustery winds and coastal showers.
However, not all regions are feeling the chill. Brisbane enjoys clear skies and a maximum of 23°C after a mild overnight low, while Darwin in the Northern Territory basks in a balmy 32°C with moderate winds.
As Australians layer up and adjust to the coldest morning of the year, it’s a reminder that winter has indeed arrived, bringing with it frosty mornings, chilly winds, and the promise of cozy nights by the fire.
