Southern Australia is bracing for a powerful cold front expected by the end of the weekend. Meteorologists warn of damaging winds and freezing temperatures, with flooding also a risk across at least four states. The system, originating in the Antarctic region, is expected to travel more than 4,000 kilometres before reaching the continent’s southern coastline, information from Weatherzone. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) forecasts that the front and an associated trough will draw large tropical moisture south, raising the risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms as the system moves east.
The first impacts are forecast for Western Australia, where rain and thunderstorms could begin as early as Friday night, with strong winds also possible. In the southern parts of the state, residents have been advised to prepare for small hail and a sharp drop in temperatures. Perth is expected to see light rain on Friday, followed by more intense weather on Saturday, including gusty winds and possible thunderstorms. The city’s maximum temperature may reach 16 degrees, but wind chill could make it feel as cold as 10 degrees throughout the day. BoM’s national outlook also flagged a front approaching southwestern Western Australia, bringing showers and cooler conditions.
South Australia is next in line, with the cold front predicted to reach the state by Saturday afternoon. Adelaide could feel the effects as soon as Sunday morning, when strong winds are expected to intensify the cold. The low-pressure system will keep dragging polar air across the Southern Ocean, pushing severe weather further east. In its severe-weather outlook, BoM said the front and trough would “pick up a lot of that tropical moisture” and bring rain to South Australia, Victoria and Tasmania, particularly late Saturday and early Sunday.
By Sunday and into Monday, the system is forecast to sweep across New South Wales, Victoria, southern Queensland and the ACT. The front could bring snow and hail, along with heavy rain and damaging winds; thunderstorms are also possible as it moves through these regions. BoM’s broader national forecast warned that severe storms could produce large hail and damaging winds, alongside heavy rainfall, particularly in inland Queensland. Flash flooding is possible in northeastern New South Wales and southeastern Queensland. Strong winds and heavy rain could also bring destructive gusts and widespread flooding, particularly in the southeast.
Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT are expected to see the strongest wind gusts, with severe conditions potentially extending into Tasmania. Rain will be widespread, but the heaviest falls are likely in Victoria’s basic and northeast ranges and in southern parts of New South Wales. Some areas could receive between 50 and 100 millimetres of rain in a single day. Melbourne was forecast to receive about 30 to 40 millimetres from Saturday night into Sunday. The system is expected to clear eastward, followed by markedly cooler air moving in from the west.
Flood risk will also depend on how much rain has already fallen and whether local catchments and waterways can absorb more. Queensland’s southeast recorded up to 450 millimetres over the preceding seven days, according to BoM data cited by SBS. Caboolture received 240 millimetres in six hours on Thursday, causing impressive flash flooding. Further rain on saturated ground can trigger rapid runoff and rising rivers, making both flash and river flooding concerns as the weather pattern shifts east.
Such cold outbreaks are not unusual in southern Australia during winter, but this system stands out for its scale and intensity. Polar air masses arriving from Antarctica can cause rapid temperature drops and hazardous driving conditions, while disrupting power and transport infrastructure. In recent years, similar events have caused localised flooding and property damage, as well as temporary school closures. Authorities typically advise residents to secure loose outdoor items and avoid unnecessary travel during peak storm periods. They also urge people to monitor official weather updates for the latest warnings and safety advice.
