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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 23 June 2026 by the Aussie Focus Hub Weather Desk. Data from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) and other national met services via Open-Meteo.
A polar weather front sweeping across southern Australia is bringing significant snowfall to alpine regions and a sharp drop in temperatures, with the live forecast above showing the current conditions for affected areas.
What does this polar blast mean for snow in Australia?
This polar blast is a cold air mass moving north from the Southern Ocean, colliding with warmer air over the continent. It drives snow levels down to unusually low altitudes, often below 600 metres in Tasmania and the Victorian Alps, and can produce snow in Melbourne today if conditions align.
- Snowfall is heaviest in the Australian Alps, including Perisher, Thredbo, and Falls Creek, with accumulations of 20–50 centimetres expected.
- Road closures are likely on alpine passes such as the Great Alpine Road and Mount Hotham access routes; check severe weather warnings before travel.
- Wind chill makes temperatures feel 5–10°C colder than the actual reading, increasing hypothermia risk for those outdoors.
How long will the polar weather front last?
The front typically passes within 24–48 hours, but its cold tail can linger for several days, keeping snow on the ground and frost in lowland areas. The polar blast meaning here is a rapid, short-lived cold outbreak rather than a prolonged winter event.
- Snow melt begins quickly once the front clears, especially in lower elevations, but alpine resorts benefit from extended ski conditions.
- For city dwellers, the polar blast australia today brings biting winds and possible sleet or hail, even in Melbourne and Sydney.
- Check the Australia weather hub for updated forecasts as the front moves east.
Can it snow in Melbourne today during a polar blast?
Yes, a polar blast can bring snow to Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs and the Dandenong Ranges, but snow settling in the city centre is rare. It usually falls as sleet or wet snow that melts on contact.
What is the polar blast meaning for farmers?
For farmers, a polar blast means frost risk increases significantly, potentially damaging crops and livestock. It also brings strong winds that can dry out soil and stress young plants, so protective measures are advised.
How does a polar weather front differ from a normal cold front?
A polar weather front is a more intense cold front originating from Antarctic air, bringing sharper temperature drops, lower snow levels, and stronger winds than a typical mid-latitude cold front. It is less common and more disruptive.