Temperature plunges to zero in Sydney
Aussies are being urged to rug up and get ready for the first taste of winter as temperatures drop across the country.
Temperatures across the southern parts of the country have already dipped well below average and meteorologists predict more cold days are on the way.
According to the Bureau of Meteorology, after a trough pushed strong winds and cooler temperatures across the southern states over the last few days, a second burst of cold air is expected to come in from the south of the country over the next few days.
Melbourne only had a maximum temperature of 13C on Sunday, well below average, with a top of 15C expected on Monday.
Apparent temperature plunges in Sydney
The bureau’s weather observations showed the temperature plunged in Sydney overnight.
The temperature dropped to 10.5C at Sydney airport at 4am today — but the apparent temperature was a chilly 0.8C as cold winds blasted the Harbour City. At Mount Boyce it was -1C but felt like -8.3C.
A total of 10.8mm was also recorded in the rain gauge.
Melbourne was also chilly with the mercury plunging to 7.5C at Melbourne Airport. The apparent temperature was a frosty 1.6C.
Meanwhile, snow was expected to fall at 600m in Tasmania, 800m in Victoria and as low as 900m in New South Wales, according to Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Dean Narramore.
“We’ve seen temperatures anywhere from four to eight degrees below average in Tasmania, Victoria and NSW and on Monday that cold air will get up into Queensland,” Mr Narramore said.
“We’re likely to see widespread inland frosts through northern Victoria, much of NSW. We could even see frosts get up into parts of Queensland on Monday and Tuesday.”
Mr Narramore described it as “a sure sign that winter is on its way.”
The cold front coming through NSW was expected to form into a low pressure system from Sunday night.
The bureau has issued a strong wind warning for parts of the NSW coast.
Storm force and gale wind warnings are in place for southern waters including Batemans Coast, Eden Coast and Illawarra.
Strong wind warnings are also in place from Sydney up to the Mid North Coast and Byron.
The warnings will be in place until Monday.
Another cold front is expected to impact Western Australia on Wednesday, bringing with it rain, storms and strong winds, Mr Narramore said.
It’s expected to bring wet and cold weather to Adelaide on Thursday, before weakening and moving into Victoria and Tasmania.
