Cooler conditions expected across Australia’s south-east, but slopes still at risk of snow ‘melting away’

Widespread rain across much of Victoria and New South Wales has damped prospects for this year’s ski season, with much of the initial burst of snow washed away.

Although conditions begun easing on Tuesday, Sky News Weather Meteorologist Tamsin Green explained fresh snowfalls were likely to be limited and could quickly disappear as a result of sunnier weather over the coming days.

“We’re looking at sub-zero temperatures once again into Wednesday morning and widespread frost, particularly so across the ranges,” she said.

“Taking a look at those alpine regions we are looking at cooler conditions, at least through the overnight periods.

“Several nights will be sub-zero which is perfect conditions for that (snow) and it’s looking to be staying dry for much of the week. However, those daytime temperatures are still climbing around six or seven degrees.

“Of course, that would ordinarily have been fine – it’s around the seasonal average for those temperatures – had we already had a decent pack of snow as a base and a good foundation, but given there’s not very much there it won’t take much for that to be melting away.”

Green added there was a chance of “some snow through Sunday and Monday”, but noted it was only likely at the highest altitudes which would do little to help improve conditions on the slopes.

The forecast is worse still for Mount Buller and Mount Hotham, with the prospect of more rain next week.

“If there is some snow it looks like it could just be washed away again,” Green said.

While skiers are likely to be left the most disappointed, residents throughout the rest of the nation’s south-east are unlikely to enjoy what is expected to be a foggy and freezing start to Wednesday.

Fog is forecast to blanket large swathes of Victoria and inland NSW, as well as parts of South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory.

Temperatures are also expected to keep low throughout the morning, although the forecast should improve as the day goes on.

National forecast for WednesdaySydney

Sydneysiders should see a mostly sunny day, although showers are possible in the evening.

A low of eight degrees and a high of 19 degrees are expected.

Melbourne

A frosty start is possible on what will be a gloomy day for Melbourne.

The mercury is forecast to range between a low of nine and a top of 16 degrees.

Brisbane

Brisbane should be mostly sunny on Wednesday.

A low of nine degrees and a high of 22 degrees are expected in Queensland’s capital.

Canberra

A freezing and foggy start is on the cards for Canberra locals, before conditions clear heading into the afternoon.

A chilly low of negative two degrees is forecast, alongside a top of 15.

Adelaide

The sun will be shinning in Adelaide on Wednesday.

Temperatures are forecast to range between a low of seven and a high of 16 degrees.

Hobart

Hobart looks set for a cloudy day, with the chance of scattered showers.

A low of six degrees and a top of 12 are expected in Tasmania’s capital.

Perth

A bright and sunny day is expected in Perth.

The mercury will range between a low of eight and a high of 21 degrees.

Darwin

Darwin will be sunny and warm on Wednesday, with gusty winds helping take the edge off the heat.

A low of 21 degrees and a top of 32 are expected.