A trough will cross us on Friday and Saturday bringing some light rain at times, falling as wet snow up high (less than 10mm or rain, and 1cm of snow at best).
This is a good thing, as it will significantly weaken the strong high pressure that has been with us for a long time - and move it well north over the country.
This paves the way all ready for a week of significant snow, set to benefit all alpine areas across southeastern Australia.
A strong cold front, with a feed of polar air, will arrive on Monday, while the trailing high pressure sits well back southwest of Perth (with a ridge up to the Northern Territory).
This is the perfect set up for front after front to move through, delivering days and days of snow.
50 to 80 cm is likely through all alpine areas (above 1200 metres) in the week following Monday.
Day |
Forecast |
Likely Snow |
---|---|---|
Rest of Friday |
Areas of drizzle in the morning. Light rain developing. Strong NW winds. Snowmaking potential? Low |
1800m - 0cm 1500m - 0cm 1200m - 0cm |
Saturday |
Light rain at times - falling as wet snow above 1700 metres, with no accumulation. NW winds, light later. Snowmaking potential? Low |
1800m - trace 1500m - 0cm 1200m - 0cm |
Sunday |
A mix of sunshine and cloud, with just the chance of showers. Light winds, tending strong NW later. Snowmaking potential? High |
1800m - 0cm 1500m - 0cm 1200m - 0cm |
Monday |
A mostly dry morning. Persistent snow developing up high in the afternoon and rapidly lowering throughout alpine elevations in the evening. Strong NW winds. Snowmaking potential? High |
1800m - 15cm 1500m - 10cm 1200m - 8cm |
Tuesday |
Persistent snow throughout. Strong W/NW winds. Snowmaking potential? High |
1800m - 20cm 1500m - 15cm 1200m - 15cm |
Snow is likely on almost every day next week and into the following weekend, as front after front is able to move through.
The biggest days should be Monday night into Tuesday, then again at the end of the week.
* Commentary above courtesy of Jane's Weather. www.janesweather.com