Strong Cold Fronts Bring Heavy Rain, Snow Across Australia, New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are experiencing the onset of colder and wetter winter conditions, with significant rainfall expected in several regions. In Australia, a series of cold fronts will bring heavy rain to southwestern Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and southern New South Wales, potentially delivering a much-needed seasonal break for farmers after a prolonged dry period. Frosty conditions and below-average temperatures are forecast across inland New South Wales, Victoria, and parts of Queensland, with some regions facing an 80% chance of an extreme winter with sustained cold. Meanwhile, New Zealand anticipates wintry weather with snow in the Canterbury high country and heavy rain in regions like Tasman, with flood and slip risks noted. Despite these cold conditions, New Zealand's Niwa climate outlook suggests a warmer-than-average winter overall, with fewer frosts and cold snaps expected, due to prevailing atmospheric patterns and neutral ENSO conditions. Both countries are preparing for a winter marked by varied weather impacts including heavy rainfall, frosts, and fluctuating temperatures, affecting agriculture and daily life.