Australia Daily Snow
By Mike O'Connor, Meteorologist Posted 1 year ago June 2, 2024
Unfavourable lead up to Opening Weekend, Big snowfall possible next week
Summary
G'day everyone, Mike here from down under, proudly bringing you the very first OpenSnow forecast for Australia. A dusting of snow fell over the weekend and last night, but with an unfavourable forecast this week, Australian resorts will be dependent on man-made snow for their opening days this coming weekend. However, next week, a storm from the south has the potential to bring cold air and snow.
Short Term Forecast
Current Conditions
Recent conditions haven't been ideal for both natural snow and snowmaking here in Australia. A storm system currently located just offshore of the southeast tip of Australia brought some light snow showers over the weekend, and now just a dusting of snow is all that covers the Australian Alps.
Thankfully resorts have been making snow at any possible moment, and there are stockpiles of the stuff ready to be spread out for their respective opening days, which is scheduled for this Friday and Saturday (7th-8th June). Will it be enough to get them over the line? I'm not entirely sure.
Forecast for Monday to Friday (3rd to 7th June)
A mix of snow and rain will clear by Monday afternoon as the storm system to the east weakens and pulls a little further offshore, allowing southwest winds to ease. Skies will remain partly cloudy through Tuesday and Wednesday, and temperatures will lift as mild southeast winds develop. Overnight temperatures should get cold enough for brief periods of snowmaking at most resorts each night.
The storm system to the east inches a little closer on Thursday, causing southeast winds to pick up to a moderate-strong strength. This will push in a lot more moisture and rain and drizzle will increase during the day. Unfortunately, temperatures will remain warm and none of this will fall as snow, and likely cause some damage to what snowpack there is. The storm will start to pull away again on Friday allowing winds and rain to ease.
Extended Forecast
Opening weekend (Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June) is anticipated to bring partly cloudy skies with light showers as mild and humid southeast breezes diminish. Monday 10th June could see continued cloudiness and light showers as northwest winds develop as the storm system in the Tasman Sea finally departs.
A cold storm system from the south may bring decent snowfall from Tuesday 11th into Friday 14th June. There'll be a lot of hope riding on this one, which could kick things off on a high note if it goes according to plan.
Thanks for reading. I'll keep these forecasts coming every Monday, Wednesday & Friday throughout the southern hemisphere season.
Michael O'Connor
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