Hobart residents enjoyed a winter spectacle over the weekend as some suburbs were blanketed in snow at low altitudes, creating winter wonderlands. Over the weekend, one of the strangest weather sequences in memory hit the area. The right mixture of a cold outbreak paired with a southerly surge of moisture-rich winds set up unprecedented conditions for snowfall even in places that rarely see snow.
Meteorologist Ellie Mathews explained the cause behind the snowfall, stating that the cold air moving into the region contributed significantly to the conditions. “This morning [Monday] we’ve seen the coldest air move over us, which did result in snow for those lower lying areas,” she noted.
Snow covered the mountain Kunanyi/Mt Wellington early Monday morning. Residents in Hobart’s suburbs, including Sandy Bay, Glenorchy and Lenah Valley noted the appearance of snow and hail. The occurrence is described as “relatively unusual” for such low-lying locales, since snow typically falls at the region’s higher elevations.
Ms Mathews pointed out that it snowed at Mount Nelson, which is only around 350m above sea level. She mentioned snowfall at Nugent, about 1,000 feet (or 300 m) above sea level. For many local residents, the snowfall in these places was an amazing sight.
Webcam images tracked the progress of a new snow storm as it blanketed the snow rocky summit of the mountain. This incredible image captures how unusual this occurrence really is. Residents shared their experiences on social media, with David commenting, “Looked like a sprinkling of snow here in Kingston.” In South Hobart, Jenna told us that although it was snowing mixed with rain, it wasn’t settling where she was living.
A fresh snowfall blanketed parts of Kingston and West Hobart. Though it annoyed some, most of the local residents were thrilled and excited by the magical wintry wonderland. As the day went on, it was forecast to warm up later in the day on Monday, making it less likely for any more snow to fall.
We’ll be spared the worst of the shower activity in the region. We super-duper need that moisture to tap into those snow showers. She did not rule out climate change, Ms. Mathews continued, noting that the unusual weather patterns aren’t likely to last.
