Snow, high winds and rain heading to multiple states in early taste of winter

Friday, 22 May 2026 07:38

Millions of people will be pulling on their woollies and reaching for umbrellas as a big weather change takes hold.

Millions of people across south-eastern Australia can expect a blast of wintry weather, including high winds, snow and rain, next week.

The calm conditions over the past days will give way to more volatile conditions as two pools of cold air high in the atmosphere move over southern regions, reports weather data firm Weatherzone.

The first one has begun sweeping across southern parts of Western Australia and South Australia before it advances into south-eastern states from early next week.

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That will be followed by a second one that is forecast to reach the country's south-west around Wednesday or Thursday.

"While rain won't be too heavy as the first system crosses WA and SA later this week, there is potential for heavy rain and severe weather over south-eastern Australia next week as it causes a low-pressure system to develop," say forecasters.

Some computer modelling of the expected conditions points to heavy rain developing over parts of Victoria, NSW and Tasmania on Tuesday and Wednesday. But parts of these states could also be in for thunderstorms, snow and blustery winds.

Meteorologists say it's too early to say what the precise strength and timing of the new weather system will be.

There are already signs of a major change in weather conditions for south-eastern states.

The Bureau of Meteorology today issued damaging surf and wind warnings for the NSW North Coast, urging people to avoid the seas and beaches over the coming hours.

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