Dramatic weather change as weekend cold snap hits NSW and ACT

19/07/2013

Residents and holiday makers in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory are being warned to take close notice of the dramatic weather change that is sweeping across the state this weekend.

Bureau of Meteorology Weather Services Manager, Andrew Treloar said the change is associated with a strong cold front that began moving into western New South Wales on Thursday, and will extend across the state today.

“We’ll be going from the pleasantly warm and unseasonable conditions of the past few days to biting cold in just a short time this weekend. Temperatures will plummet, winds will be strong and gusty, and snow will fall to low levels,” Mr Treloar said.

“Anyone planning to be out and about, particularly bushwalkers, snow sports enthusiasts, campers and boaties, need to keep a very close eye on weather forecasts and warnings, and plan for conditions that range from pleasantly summer-like to winter extreme.

“The front will bring strong and gusty northerly winds, widespread rain and possible thunderstorms, and leave in its wake a significant cold snap, bringing snow to the lower levels of the Alps and parts of the Southern and Central Tablelands, particularly overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning.

“Snow is expected down to 600-700 metres in the Southern Tablelands and the ACT, and around 1000 metres in the Central Tablelands. Roads will be icy in many areas,” he said.

Widespread rainfall with totals up to 10-20 mm is falling over the inland and southern ranges today ahead of the change, with locally higher falls up to 50 mm in some areas.

“Very windy conditions are expected about the Snowy Mountains and higher parts of the tablelands, and the combination of wind and rain will make conditions hazardous for people undertaking outside activities. It will also put stress on livestock,” Mr Treloar said.

"Next week will be slow to warm up. South-westerly winds will bring cooler, more seasonal conditions."