In an unexpected twist to the Australian summer, residents and visitors of the Snowy Mountains should brace themselves for a rare weather phenomenon this weekend.
A cold front is set to bring a blast of winter-like conditions, with temperatures plummeting to a potential minimum of -3°C and the possibility of snow at high elevations such as Thredbo and Perisher on Sunday, February 16, and Monday, February 17.
Meteorologist Marina Neuman, from Sky News explained that the cool change will move through southern New South Wales and the ACT region around 12pm, Friday, February 14.
PHOTO: Marina Neuman shows the forecasted movement of the system.
The impending cold front is the result of Antarctic air moving northwards, sweeping over Tasmania and reaching as far as southern New South Wales, with Jindabyne expecting a sharp drop from 28°C today to just 13°C over the weekend.
The unusual weather conditions come as a warning to hikers and those enjoying the landscapes of Kosciuszko National Park and the wider Snowy Mountains region, to be prepared.
Despite being summer, visitors and residents alike are advised to prepare adequately for the approaching cold spell. Such conditions, while rare, are a reminder of the volatility of mountain weather systems even in the warmer months.