Snow is forecast to fall as low as 400 metres across parts of Tasmania this weekend, including the West Coast, prompting a warning from authorities.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a weather alert for bushwalkers in the Western and Central Plateau forecast districts, with snow expected to fall as low as 500 metres on Saturday evening.
It comes after a hypothermic Launceston family, including a nine-year-old boy, had to be rescued from blizzard-like conditions in the Central Highlands earlier this month after venturing out to see the snow while unprepared.
Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said a cold front is approaching, bringing more showers and much colder air to the state on Friday.
“We’re going to see that snow level dropping much more significantly, potentially down as low as 400 metres across parts of southern Tasmania later on Saturday going into early Sunday,” she said, adding it won’t be the “heavy blanket” seen last week.
Tasmania Police are also urging motorists and businesses to plan ahead, warning that black ice can be invisible and make roads slippery.
“If you’re on the roads, please take it slow. Put your headlights on if visibility is poor. Leave plenty of space between vehicles,” police said.
“Plan your trip and factor in extra travel time. Obey any road closures or warning signs about hazardous conditions.”
Forecast for the rest of Friday
Showers, mainly about the north and west, easing in the morning. In the afternoon, rain will develop about the north and west of the state with showers elsewhere. Snow falling above 900 metres in the early morning. Fresh west to northwesterly winds.
Forecast for Saturday 27 July
Showers mainly about the north and west, becoming mainly about the west, far south and Bass Strait Islands during the afternoon, falling as snow to 500 metres in the south later in the evening. Possible small hail about the west, far south and Bass Strait Islands. Fresh and gusty northwesterly winds, shifting westerly in the morning then tending southwesterly in the evening.
Forecast for Sunday 28 July
Showers about the west and far south, falling as snow to near 400 metres. Possible small hail about the south and west. Mainly fine elsewhere. South to southwesterly winds.
