Queensland Records Rare Tropical Frost, Coldest Temperatures in Decades

Queensland, Australia, typically known for its warm subtropical climate, has experienced an unusual cold snap in June 2025, with record-breaking low temperatures plunging below freezing even in tropical areas. Temperatures dropped to –4.2°C in Oakey and reached subzero levels in northern towns such as Mt Isa (–0.7°C), Richmond (–0.1°C), and Winton (0.0°C), marking the coldest June nights in decades for these locations. This rare polar push into Queensland has been driven by a combination of a low-pressure system in the Tasman Sea and a strong high-pressure ridge over central Australia, creating clear skies and dry air conducive to radiative cooling and frost. Inland southern and central Queensland towns like Roma and Charleville also recorded subzero temperatures, with frost expected to persist due to sustained cold winds and high-pressure conditions. Coastal cities like Brisbane saw the coldest June mornings in over a decade, although northern coastal areas such as Cairns remained near average temperatures. Meanwhile, Australia's ski resorts in New South Wales and Victoria have welcomed a strong snowfall season, benefiting from the entrenched cold air across the country.