Australia's south records rare snowfall
Locals in the country's south rush to capture the surprise early spring snowfall and enjoy the rare event.
Antarctic air reaching Australia's south east has triggered snowfall down to low altitudes across several states, with many people out enjoying the rare event despite wild winds and heavy snow that has closed some roads.
Does it normally snow in Australia in August? Seems odd… https://t.co/EYHOqYj2kh
— Michael Moran (@TheMichaelMoran) August 22, 2020
Pictures of snowy towns and landscapes across New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, the Australia Capital Territory and the island state of Tasmania flooded social media as locals rushed to capture the surprise early spring snowfall.
We've seen light #snow make it to #Canberra today, and yes even heard a few rogue flakes landed on Parliament House. The capital has managed to crawl to 7.5, but with wind chill never felt warmer than zero https://t.co/so4UUlYivQ
— Bureau of Meteorology Australian Capital Territory (@BOM_ACT) August 22, 2020
If that stays as max it'll be coldest since 2016 pic.twitter.com/EThnDsRpTQ
Over one metre of snow had fallen in a number of alpine regions, and the cold weather would likely remain for several days, the Bureau of Meteorology said.
Heavy snowfalls in Oberon overnight and this morning. #snow pic @nampix for @smh and @9NewsSyd pic.twitter.com/U0GFgJJI8f
— Nick Moir (@nampix) August 22, 2020
"It's awesome," Raj Kumar told the Seven Network. Kumar had travelled from Sydney with his family to see the snow in the town of Oberon in NSW's Blue Mountains, an area that was under threat from widespread bushfires last year.
"I think it's better than Perisher Valley," referring to a popular snow resort about a four-hour drive south of Oberon.