Cold Snap Set To Bring Australia Thunderstorms, Hail And Snow

It might be quite difficult to feel sorry for Aussies, what with their beautiful beaches, stunning wildlife and enviable lifestyles. But spare a thought for our brothers and sisters down under as they brace themselves for a cold blast expected to bring thunderstorms, hail and snow to parts of the country.

The southern and eastern states are expected to cop the worst of it later this week, as a huge cold air mass is forecast to head over from Antarctica via the Southern Ocean.

PA

Weatherzone warned that the weather front could bring the country its lowest temperatures so far this year - though it could be good news for skiers and snowboarders.

It said: "After a relatively benign start to August, forecast models suggest that a pulse of cold Antarctic-borne air could sweep across southeastern Australia from Thursday or Friday.

"It's too early to know how cold the air will be and exactly what weather it will bring. However, some computer models predict that the impending air mass will be one of the coldest so far this season.

"At this stage, anyone living in southeastern Australia should be aware that a mix of rain, thunderstorms, hail, low-level snow and damaging winds is possible at the end of next week, most likely from Friday into the weekend.

"The impending cold air could also cause heavy alpine snow over a number of days, which would likely lead to the best natural snow-depth so far this season, based on current model guidance."

A severe thunderstorm is also expected to hit Victoria, with the Eastern Ranges expected to be doused in between 22 and 70mm of rain over the weekend.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bureau of Meteorology Victoria senior forecaster, Richard Carlyon, said: "Conditions have settled in the last week, which will change when the cold front comes through on Thursday, bringing gusty westerly winds and widespread showers.

"We're expecting a severe thunderstorm warning for a large part of the state, but it's too early to say when."

But before you cry a river for our Aussie friends, it's worth considering the sheer vastness of the country. So, while parts may get a little wet and nippy, it's still going to be largely sunny and warm across huge swathes of the country. In fact, the weather will be a lot better for many Aussies than it is for us in the UK - and we're in the height of summer while they're in the depths of winter.

So yeah, maybe save your pity for yourself.

Topics: Weather, World News, Australia

Jake Massey

Jake Massey is a journalist at LADbible. He graduated from Newcastle University, where he learnt a bit about media and a lot about living without heating. After spending a few years in Australia and New Zealand, Jake secured a role at an obscure radio station in Norwich, inadvertently becoming a real-life Alan Partridge in the process. From there, Jake became a reporter at the Eastern Daily Press. Jake enjoys playing football, listening to music and writing about himself in the third person.

@jakesmassey