Snowy end to holidays
A DOUBLE dose of snow is forecast to finish the school holidays.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Brooke Oakley said snow was forecast as low as 600m on Thursday, with snow possible on kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
“The most snow will be over the Central Plateau, this includes Cradle Mountain,” she said.
“This is low snow levels for this time of year, spring can be very changeable and it’s not unheard of.”
It follows warm conditions on Wednesday, with Hobart reaching 19C and Launceston 17C.
Will Barbour, of Cradle Mountain Hotel, said it was a typical Tasmanian spring: T-shirt weather one minute, snowing the next.
“We actually had the nice fall for the start of the school holiday which was really a bonus for our guests,” he said.
“Tasmanians are really clued into snow and seek it out.
“We have a lot people coming up for day trips to enjoy the snow and make the most of it.”
Mr Barbour said snow this late in the year wasn’t unusual.
“Two years ago we had snow for Christmas and we usually expect it for each month of winter and into the spring. It adds another element to the quality Tasmanian alpine experience because we know Tasmania is different to other parts of the country and this is just another point of difference,” he said.
Hobart is expecting a top of 14C on Thursday before the temperature rises to 19C on Friday and 18C on Saturday.
Ms Oakley said there was more snow forecast for Sunday and there was expected to be a cold start for next week.
“Many places will dip below zero degrees early next week, especially on Tuesday,” she said.
For Hobart on Monday, the temperature is expected to hit a low of 4C, with Launceston 2C.
“On Tuesday, we’re expecting a minimum of -1C for Cygnet and zero for Huonville, and in Campbell Town and Ross it will be -1C,” Ms Oakley said.
The bureau has issued a warning for bushwalkers due to hazardous conditions expected to occur in parts of the Western and Central Plateau forecast districts for Thursday.
A warning has also been issued for sheep graziers due to cold temperatures, rain and showers and westerly winds expected.