Millions of Australians shivered on the coldest morning of the year as a prolonged cold snap settled across eastern parts of the country.
Residents of Sydney and Melbourne faced 7°C and 1.6°C respectively, while the ‘feeling temperature’ was even lower due to icy wind gusts on Wednesday.
Capitals in Tasmania, Victoria and the ACT are also experiencing sub-zero temperatures, with locals in Canberra waking up to -4°C and a feeling of -8°C.
On Tuesday, inland Queensland broke the 32-year record for the coldest June morning as temperatures fell to -5.6°C in Tambo and -3.4°C in Thangool.
Minimum temperatures in the Sunshine State were 8°C to 12°C below average on Tuesday, while the mercury fell 4°C to 10°C below average across much of eastern Australia on Wednesday.
The prolonged cold snap is due to an unusually slow-moving low-pressure system, bringing frosty mornings and frigid nights to eastern and southeastern parts of Australia.
Weatherzone meteorologist Ben Domensino said the prolonged cold snap would continue this week and was due to an unusually slow-moving low-pressure system.
Mr Domensino explained that the “persistent cold air mass combined with clear skies and light winds” was to blame for the freezing mornings and freezing nights across much of south-east and eastern Australia.
Widespread frost is also expected across the eastern third of the country this weekend, expected to extend to South Australia and southern parts of the Northern Territory.
Mr Domensino added that overnight temperatures would begin to moderate by mid-week as a small cold front and associated low-pressure system introduce wind and moisture into the mix.
Australia’s entire east coast shook on the coldest morning of the year, with residents of Sydney and Melbourne experiencing temperatures of 7°C and 1.6°C respectively.
Sydney
Highs are expected to be in the mid to late teens for the rest of the week.
Meanwhile, daytime minimum temperatures remain below double digits, with 5°C on Thursday, 8°C on Friday and 9°C over the weekend.
There may also be some showers from Friday to Sunday, with the heaviest rainfall of up to 6mm expected on Saturday.
Canberra
Canberra residents are in for a frigid week for the rest of the week, with temperatures expected to drop to -1°C on Thursday.
Low temperatures are expected between -1°C and 1°C from Friday to Sunday, with morning frost and highs of 13°C expected over the weekend.
There is also a chance of showers on Thursday and Friday, with 2 mm of rain expected on both days.
Melbourne
Temperatures in Victoria’s capital will remain stable at a maximum of 13°C and 14°C for the rest of the week and throughout the weekend.
Temperatures will drop to a chilly 4°C on Saturday and Sunday, with showers possible from Thursday and the weekend.
Aussies woke up to frost on Wednesday as every state reports locations seeing their coldest night of the year
Widespread frost is expected in the eastern part of the country this weekend, expected to spread to South Australia and southern parts of the Northern Territory.
On Tuesday, inland Queensland broke its 32-year record for the coldest morning in June, as temperatures fell to -5.6°C in Tambo and -3.4°C in Thangool
Brisbane
Highs in the Sunshine State’s capital are expected to remain in the low 20s, with temperatures rising to a pleasant 25C on Friday.
The mercury is expected to drop as the week progresses, dropping to a low of 9°C on Sunday.
Adelaide
Adelaide residents are in for a wet midweek as showers are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday, with up to 10mm of rain on both days.
Highs hover around the mid-teens, ranging between 14°C and 16°C.
Meanwhile, lows will remain below 10°C this week, with a chilly 5°C forecast for Saturday.
Hobart
Showers are forecast in Hobart from Wednesday through to the end of the week, with the heaviest rainfall on Friday.
Hobart will experience its hottest day on Thursday with a high of 17°C, while low temperatures will hover around 4°C and 5°C all week.
Partly cloudy weather is expected for the weekend, with lows of 4°C to 6°C and highs of 13°C.
Overnight temperatures are expected to moderate by mid-week as a small cold front and associated low-pressure system introduce wind and moisture into the mix
Perth
In Western Australia, Perth residents will experience dry and sunny conditions this week, with maximum temperatures hovering in the high teens.
However, the capital is in for a wet weekend, with up to 20mm of rain forecast for Saturday and up to 2mm on Sunday.
The minimum temperatures will be between 7°C and 12°C until Sunday.
Darwin
Meanwhile, Darwin residents will escape the cold weather with sunny conditions and temperatures remaining in the 30s well into the weekend.
The minimal conditions may see some mornings drop to 19°C.