The shortest day of the year – the winter solstice, is approaching and it’s bringing icy temps and cold winds with it. Meteorologists have advised Sydneysiders and Melburnians in particular to bundle up as a cold front is expected to bring the coldest morning of the year on Wednesday, June 19. Parts of South Australia and Victoria experienced their coldest June in more than 20 years over the weekend and the weather is showing no signs of letting up in the coming days.
Six states and territories felt the chill on Monday morning as temperatures fell to sub-zero levels including -3.8 degrees in Canberra.
Sydney is set to experience a low of between 2 to 5 degrees on Wednesday with a maximum of 18 degrees but the city can expect some reprieve on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon with warm winter sunshine to enjoy. Melbourne is also set to have its coldest morning of the year on Wednesday with temps expected to drop between 2 to 6 degrees and possible showers and a maximum of 12 degrees. Parts of Queensland could experience temperatures 10 degrees below average on Tuesday and Wednesday. Tasmania will also be around 2 to 5 degrees colder than normal.
If you’re wondering what’s causing this drop in temperatures, it’s due to a low-pressure system that’s sitting somewhere between New Zealand and Australia leading to cold winds over the continent, meteorologists have told the ABC.