Some Aussies have woken up this morning in awe after being treated to a white Christmas. The rare phenomenon last occurred almost two decades ago.
The summer snow is falling as low as 700 metres above sea level in Tasmania on Thursday morning, leaving those lucky enough to enjoy it reeling in excitement. That’s definitely the case for “snow hunters” Sandy and Tim Carden, who have been trekking around the state in their van for a month “chasing the colder weather”.
Hopeful for a white Christmas, the pair travelled to Miena on Wednesday afternoon and joined roughly 10 other campers at the Great Lake Hotel.
Thankfully, they got just what they wished for, with a blanket of thick, white snow now the backdrop to their celebrations.
Sandy and Tim said it was ‘magical’ waking up to a blanket of thick, white snow. Source: Sandy and Tim Carden/The Sand Van/Supplied
“It feels so magical waking up to our very first white Christmas here in Australia — it’s so unusual and honestly a bit surreal,” the couple told Yahoo News Australia.
“We never thought we’d see something like this on Christmas morning.”
And it seems they’re not the only ones.
“Seeing everyone outside so excited, smiling, and sharing the moment has been so beautiful, and it’s brought such a genuine sense of happiness and joy to everyone,” they said.
Rare Australian event last seen 19 years ago
While chatting with Yahoo earlier this week, The Bureau of Meteorology’s Angus Hines said a snowy Christmas in Australia is indeed quite rare, with it last occurring 19 years ago.
“We asked our climate team to go back and have a look, and they reckon the last time that there was measurable snow on Christmas Day was 2006, which was also for southern-western Tasmania, and there was also, I believe, a little dusting on parts of southern Victoria on 2006 Christmas Day as well,” he explained.
While snowfall in elevated areas in Tasmania is “quite frequent” in late Autumn to early Spring, it’s “not typical” this time year, Hines said.
“I’d say snow in December is possible every handful of years, but getting snow on Christmas Day, anywhere in the country, is pretty unusual,” he added.
The cold system is being driven by a swift-moving “river” of unstable polar air sweeping across the state, according to Weatherzone meteorologist Anthony Sharwood.
Now let’s take a look at the mixed bag of weather conditions occurring around the country.
Christmas Day will deliver a mixed bag of weather conditions across Australia. Source: Getty
Christmas Day weather for every Australian state and capital city
Millions of Aussies are in the firing line of a belt of severe thunderstorms over Christmas which are forecast to lash much of the Northern Territory, Queensland and parts of NSW, with multiple thunderstorm and flood warnings already in place.
The NT and Queensland are set to get the worst of the weather, with showers and thunderstorms already bucketing down on parts of the state, according to the BOM’s latest forecast.
New South Wales
Most of NSW is expected to enjoy a relatively mild Christmas Day, with settled conditions across much of the state.
Onshore winds along the coast may bring a light shower or two, particularly around Sydney, but heavy or persistent rain is unlikely, except for in the state’s northeast, which will see damaging wind gusts, large hail and heavy rainfall.
Temperatures are expected to remain below average for this time of year, with generally comfortable summer conditions.
The BOM has forecast a high temperature of 24 degrees in Sydney.
Monsoon rain is set to lash parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland over Christmas, prompting flood watch alerts. Source: Weatherzone
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Victoria
Anyone in Melbourne hoping for a Christmas Day swim can put their togs away as the city prepares for the coldest Christmas Day since 2006.
The city is expecting a range between 12 and 18 degrees with a possible shower or two. Let’s hope Santa packed accordingly.
Overall, most regions should see partly cloudy skies with temperatures below the December average.
The entire state will warm up later in the week.
Related: Monsoon to strike Australia ‘before Christmas’
Queensland
Those hoping for a break from wet weather will be disappointed.
Widespread showers are expected in tropical areas, while the rainband may edge closer to Brisbane, which will reach a balmy 34.
Thunderstorms and flash flooding warnings have been issued for southeast Queensland.
Potentially “life-threatening” severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall have also been forecast for the Carpentaria, Barkly, and northwestern forecast districts of Queensland.
Flash flood warnings have been issued for Wide Bay and Burnett regions and parts of Central Highlands and Coalfields.
The bureau will continue to monitor the build up of storm systems over the Christmas period and asks residents of affected areas to keep an eye out for any further updates or warnings.
South Australia
South Australia is forecast to have a mostly sunny Christmas Day.
A sea breeze should help keep temperatures comfortable, preventing extreme heat. The day is expected to feel like a typical December summer day.
The BOM predicts Adelaide temperatures to reach 24C.
West Aussies will swelter through a heatwave this Christmas. Source: Getty
Western Australia
Perth is set for a hot Christmas, with temperatures reaching the high 30s or close to 40°C.
A northeasterly airstream from inland deserts will bring a heatwave to the west coast.
Severe heatwave warnings have been issued throughout the state.
Most of southern WA is expected to see clear skies and dry conditions.
The BOM is forecasting an incredible high of 40 degrees in Perth.
Tasmania
Sheep graziers have been warned to expect cold temperatures, showers and strong southwesterly winds on Thursday and Friday.
Hobart will see some light rain on Christmas Day, with temperatures anticipated to reach just 15 degrees.
Temperatures across the state will generally remain below average for December.
Northern Territory
Darwin and much of northern Australia will experience monsoonal conditions, with showers and thunderstorms expected.
Rivers and low-lying areas may be at risk of flooding, particularly in the Gulf of Carpentaria, but there are currently no indications of tropical cyclone development.
Rain is likely to become heavier and more widespread over the NT and Queensland during the remainder of this week and will likely continue into early January.
The BOM says Darwin will likely hit a high of 30 on Christmas Day.
ACT
Canberra is forecast to have a typical summer day with mostly sunny skies and moderate temperatures. Extreme heat is not expected, making it a comfortable day for outdoor activities.
Canberra will likely see a high temperature of 29, BOM says.
With NCA NewsWire
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