Antarctic blast to send temperatures plummeting to just 1C across southern Queensland

An Antarctic blast is set to lash southern Queensland, with temperatures plummeting to just 1C and sending weather watchers into a snow-frenzy.

Temperatures could drop to just 1C across Queensland’s Granite Belt over coming days as an Antarctic air mass blasts northwards along Australia’s east coast.

The icy polar blast has weather watchers hyped for potential snowfall in Queensland, though if it does happen, it would only be a very light dusting.

Stanthorpe and Applethorpe are forecast to drop to 1C on Thursday while in the southeast it could get to a chilly 4C in Ipswich on Thursday and Friday.

The major weather system will sweep across the south of the nation over the weekend. Picture Sky News Weather.jpg

Oakey, just west of Toowoomba, is forecast to drop to 2C on Thursday, while it will also be Brisbane’s coldest day of the year, dropping to 7C.

The cold snap will be caused by an Antarctic air mass that will collide with two moisture sources as it pushes northwards into southern Australia, according to Weatherzone meteorologist Joel Pippard.

Blue tongue of air makes its way east after linking up with moisture. Picture European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts.jpg

There are predictions of snow falling over the Victorian Alps and even as far north as the Central Highlands in NSW.

“Snow is expected in the Alpine region, with a chance of snow around higher parts of the ranges outside of the Alpine region extending as far north as the Central Tablelands,” a BOM spokesman said.

Temperatures will plummet to just 1C in southern Queensland later this week. Picture Stormcast

Facebook group Brisbane Weather is predicting snow is likely across the New England region in northern NSW, which borders Queensland.

The group is claiming conditions are ripe for even a light dusting of snow around the higher peaks of the Granite Belt.

“We are starting to get excited about a snow chase, but even though this is not locked in yet it’s looking good for snow in New England NSW and maybe a light dusting around the higher peaks of the Stanthorpe area,” Brisbane Weather posted.

CURRENT TEMPS & 7-DAY FORECAST

BRISBANE Queensland

GOLD COAST Queensland

SUNSHINE COAST Queensland

REDCLIFFE Queensland

LOGAN Queensland

IPSWICH Queensland

TOOWOOMBA Queensland

DALBY Queensland

WARWICK Queensland

STANTHORPE Queensland