Millions of people across southern and eastern Australia should expect a mixed bag of weather today, including 100km/h winds and temperatures nudging 40 degrees.
A strong low pressure system in the Southern Ocean is the driving force behind the mish-mash of heat and cold, Weatherzone reports.
“As polar air surges northwards, warm air from the interior of the continent is being dragged southwards in strong north-westerly winds, as air flows naturally from areas of high pressure to low pressure.”
Feeling like winter in three states
The Bureau of Meteorology says the wintry change was first felt by residents in Tasmania overnight.
Maximum temperatures for the Apple Isle are about 17 degrees, but with the wind chill it will feel much colder – probably around 10 degrees for most of today.
There will also be showers across the entire state, with the chance of hail and snow in western parts.
When the polar air moves across the Tasman Sea in coming hours, Victoria and southern NSW can expect much of the same conditions.
A damaging wind warning has been issued for the state’s eastern ranges, with gusts of 110km/h forecast for Alpine regions.
Heat is on in the east
Meanwhile, mid-autumn will feel like high summer for parts of eastern NSW and South-East Queensland.
Brisbane is set for a sunny day with temperatures in the centre of the city reaching a top temperature of 30 degrees, while in the western suburbs the mercury will soar to 37 degrees.
NSW residents should expect similar temperatures, with some parts pushing for record temperatures.
Central Sydney is forecast for a top of 33 degrees, with the city’s west will be two degrees warmer.
Similar maximum temperatures are also set for the regional cities of Wollongong, Newcastle and Maitland. It will be even hotter through the north-west, with Bourke up to 39 degrees.
Forecasters say the hot conditions in NSW will be over by tomorrow as the cooler air moves north later today.
With the polar conditions tightening their grip, there’ll be snowfalls in the Victorian high country, the Snowy Mountains of NSW, and higher parts of Tasmania.
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