BOM predicts snow to low levels in Hobart as part of chilly start to winter. The Bureau of Meteorology BOM predicted snowfalls in the state's south to metres this afternoon, with accompanying freezing temperatures.
BOM meteorologist Michael Conway said the cold south-westerly flow that dominated last night would cool further and allow that low snowfall by late afternoon. For the suburbs of Hobart, flurries were predicted, but would likely be short-lasting. The BOM said temperatures over the next few days would be lower than average for this time of year. Snow also made itself known in the state's north, with the road to Dove Lake at Cradle Mountain shut and the operators at the Ben Lomond ski field scrambling to try and get the mountain open for business a month ahead of schedule.
Heavy snowfalls have blanketed the mountain in up to 40 centimetres of snow, which could increase, with more forecast in the coming days. Ben Lomond Alpine Resort managing director Ben Mock said the conditions caught him by surprise. Mr Mock said he was hopeful his team could get the field ready nearly a month ahead of schedule.
Snow has closed a number of roads in the state's north and west coast. Information about current road closures can be found on the Tasmania Police website. A list of up to date weather warnings can be found on the Bureau Of Meteorology website. The snowy weather is hanging around during the week too β there will be snowfalls to metres on Wednesday and m on Thursday. It's very uncertain, but we may be getting some good snow with that as well," he said. The long weather event is being caused by a high over the bight that is very stationary and a low over the south-east of Tasmania, combining and bringing up cold air from far south, near the Antarctic continent.
Fortunately, it is not a sign of more to come. The BOM has not seen any strong signs it will be a particularly cold winter this year. You get all the factors lining up and you get many days of south-westerly winds giving you low snow levels. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work.
