Polar Blast to Blanket South-East Australia in Snow and Storms

A powerful surge of polar air from the Antarctic is sweeping across south-east Australia, bringing snow, storms, and heavy rain to multiple states and the ACT. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has forecast snow for Tasmania, Victoria, and NSW today (Wednesday), including higher-altitude towns along the Great Dividing Range.

Cold fronts associated with the system have already delivered rain, small hail, and thunderstorms. Warnings are in place for strong winds and blizzard conditions, particularly in alpine regions, where visibility may fall below 200 metres.

Snowfall is expected as low as 500m in Tasmania, 600–800m in Victoria, and 700–800m across southern and central NSW, reaching towns like Katoomba, Cooma, Orange, and Lithgow. Accumulations may remain under 5cm in most populated areas, though alpine resorts may see up to 50cm, helping recover from recent rain damage.

This winter storm is also delivering much-needed drought relief, with parts of NSW, Victoria, and South Australia recording their heaviest rainfall in months. Mount Gambier has already marked its wettest June since 2023.

The wintry conditions are expected to ease by Thursday as the polar air mass exits eastward, with calmer winds to follow.