Australia shivers through record-breaking cold snap across eastern states
Millions of Australians faced the coldest day of the year so far as a bitter cold front swept across the eastern states. Temperatures plunged overnight, leaving cities shivering and alpine regions blanketed in fresh snow. The freeze hit hardest in New South Wales, where Katoomba recorded a low of just 1°C. Nearby, Orange dropped to 1.3°C, while Bathurst saw temperatures fall to 2.1°C. Sydney residents woke to a chilly 9.9°C, far below the usual for this time of year.
In Victoria, Melburnians bundled up against a brisk 10°C morning. Queensland wasn’t spared either, with Brisbane dipping to 12°C—unusually cold for the subtropical city. Strong winds added to the chill, prompting warnings along the southern east coast.
Alpine regions felt the cold most sharply. Perisher ski resort saw about 5cm of fresh snow, while thermometers in some areas dropped to -5°C. The sudden cold snap caught many off guard, with winter gear back in demand after a mild start to the season. The cold front brought record-low temperatures to many areas, from coastal cities to inland towns. With wind warnings still in place and snow settling in the mountains, the chill is set to linger for days. Residents have been advised to prepare for continued frosty conditions.
