Low snow high risk

SNOW is being tipped to fall as low as sea level across Tasmania early next week, as officials watch an extreme cold front moving into the state.

A polar air mass of -38C at 5500 metres is forecast to cross the state late on Monday and into Tuesday, Higgins Storm Chasing has forecast.

“Global model data is currently saying snow will fall to sea level pretty much right across the state, with up to half a metre across the Western and Central highlands.”

The last time it snowed at sea level was in 2015, when areas such as Clifton Beach saw flurries of snow covering the sand.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Belinda House said Tasmania should expect a very cold change next week, after showers this weekend.

“Later in the day Monday, through Tuesday and persisting into Wednesday we’re going to see the coldest air and snow,” Ms House said.

“The snow will start coming down later on Monday and quite low into Tuesday, with snow hanging around into Wednesday.”

But she stopped short of a firm forecast of snow down to sea level.

“We’re certainly suggesting snow down to around 400 metres elevation,” Ms House said.

“There is a chance it will get into those elevated suburbs of Hobart such as Fern Tree.

“But right across Tasmania, on Tuesday and Wednesday we don’t think we’ll see maximum temperatures above 10, so single digit maximums across the state.

“So, if places don’t see snow, it will certainly be extremely cold.”