A blast of cold weather is set to sweep across New South Wales this week, bringing the first real signs of winter earlier than expected. While snow is usually confined to the alpine regions, this system is expected to push further north, with snow levels dropping low enough to bring flurries to parts of the Central Tablelands. That means a handful of regional towns across the state could see light snowfall, something that doesn’t usually happen this early in the season. For those in Sydney, a few higher-elevation spots are the most likely to see any activity, although any snowfall outside the mountains is expected to be brief and light.
When and where snow is expected
From Wednesday night into Thursday, a strong cold front will sweep across southeastern Australia, bringing a sharp drop in temperatures along with showers and gusty winds. Snow is expected across the alpine regions of NSW, Victoria and Tasmania, with heavier falls at higher elevations and lighter flurries possible further north. In NSW, the best chance of seeing any snow outside the mountains sits across the Central Tablelands, where elevations above roughly 800 metres may see brief showers. Towns like Orange fall within that range, along with areas around Bathurst.
The window for any snowfall outside the alpine areas is expected to be short, mainly through Thursday morning.
Where can you see snow near Sydney
According to Weatherzone, while most of the snowfall will be confined to the alpine regions, a few higher-elevation towns within driving distance of Sydney may see brief flurries. Oberon, which sits at around 1,100 metres, is one of the more reliable spots to see snowfall, although access is currently affected by closures along the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, which may require detours via the Blue Mountains. In the Blue Mountains, Blackheath and Mount Victoria sit just above 1,000 metres and occasionally see light snowfall.
Further south, the Snowy Mountains remain the most dependable option for consistent snowfall, with ski resorts such as Thredbo, Perisher and Charlotte Pass expecting the heaviest accumulation over this period. Outside of these areas, any snow is likely to be brief and patchy, so timing will be key if you’re planning a quick trip.
Keep an eye on Weatherzone for more information and follow the Bureau of Meteorology on Twitter for the latest updates.
