Significant Weather Media Release

Unseasonal cold snap for southeastern NSW

Wintery conditions are expected to return to southeastern New South Wales on Wednesday and Thursday.

A significant outbreak of unseasonably cold air behind a front due to cross NSW on Wednesday is likely to bring snow or sleet down to 1000 metres over the southern alps and possibly up into the central NSW ranges.

Cold daytime temperatures on Wednesday in southern areas will spread to northwards over NSW on Thursday, with temperatures well down on the average.

A Sheep Graziers Warning has been issued for the Central Tablelands, Southern Tablelands and South West Slopes forecast districts for cold, wet and windy conditions developing on Wednesday.

Frosty conditions will follow over the southern and central tablelands and western slopes overnight Wednesday and Thursday.

Some previous cold outbreaks affecting NSW in November were:

• 22 November 1996: Mainly affected Southern and Central Tablelands. Snow was reported at Cooma, Goulburn, Orange and Katoomba. Goulburn's maximum temperature of 9.1°C was the lowest on record for November.
• 16 November 1988: Mainly affected Metropolitan , Hunter and Central Tablelands. Snow observed at Oberon. Orange maximum temperature (6.0°C) and Sydney (12.6°C) were the lowest on record for November.
• 19 November 1986: Affected the whole State but especially the northern half. Snow was reported at Katoomba. A record low maximum temperature was observed at Armidale (8.3°C). Record low maxima were also recorded at Cobar, Dubbo, Narrabri, Newcastle and Tamworth.
• The heaviest November snowfall on record in the Snowy Mountains was around 40cm on 17-18 Nov 1957.

For further information:

• Average Temperature maps for November
• Latest Weather Observations for New South Wales
• Rainfall forecast maps

For more information contact:
Robb Webb at 02 9296 1555