Parts of Tasmania could see snow on Saturday, with colder temperatures across the nation’s south potentially marking the first signs of winter.
In an alert put out late on Friday by the Bureau of Meteorology, residents and bushwalkers in the Western and Central Plateau forecast districts were warned snow could fall at altitudes as low as 700 metres on Saturday.
The “hazardous conditions” were expected to persist throughout most of the day, the BOM added, with snowfalls only returning to altitudes above 1,000 metres in the afternoon.
Mt Wellington, also known as Kunanyi, which overlooks Hobart, is forecast to see temperatures between -2C and -5C on Saturday, before warming slightly on Sunday to reach a top of 7C.
Snowfalls are expected to continue throughout the weekend, with the snow level gradually moving from 700 metres on Saturday morning to over 1,200 metres by Sunday night.
Hobart residents are also set for a chilly few days, with a high of 15C on Saturday and 18C on Sunday.
Cold and gusty winds will add to the chill, with locals advised warmer clothes may be necessary for any outdoor plans.
Showers are also forecast throughout Sunday and cool, overcast conditions will stick around through Monday, before clearing later in the week.
Tasmania is not the only state facing the first signs of winter, with Victoria also set for cool and cloudy conditions.
Melbourne is forecast to see a top of 18C on Saturday, with showers likely in most of the surrounding region.
Geelong, Tullamarine and Frankston will all reach highs of 19C, with the latter also set for rain.
Mt Dandenong will be even cooler, reaching a top of just 13C.
South Australia will fare slightly better, with Adelaide residents set for a mostly clear Saturday and a high of 22C.
However, Sunday will bring a reasonable chance of showers, as well as possible fog about the hills in the morning.
Blustery winds will also pick through the day, with the wetter conditions forecast to persist through to Monday.
Further south, near the border with Victoria, locals around Mt Gambier are facing minimum temperatures of just 7C on Saturday.
The mercury will rise slightly on Sunday, with a minimum of 9C forecast, but temperatures will remain cool until Thursday brings a sunny change.
Even New South Wales will start to feel winter creeping in over the coming days, with a glorious weekend in Sydney set to be followed by cool and rainy conditions.
After highs of 27C and 26C on Sunday and Monday, temperatures in the Harbour City will drop to 23C and 24C on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Gusty winds and showers of up to 6mm are also forecast, before clearing over Thursday and Friday.
