When and where snow is predicted to fall in Queensland this weekend
A rare winter storm threatens to dump 15cm of snow on Queensland's Granite Belt this weekend as forecasters warn of an incoming polar air mass.
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A polar air mass could settle directly over South East Queensland within days threatening to bring hail, heavy rain, damaging winds and even snow.
Weather chasers are saying the winter storm could dump 15cm of snow on the Granite Belt and Northern Tablelands, but a lot depends on where the system tracks and its intensity once it arrives.
The full effects are expected to be felt on Saturday, with Stanthorpe forecast to get down to 0C with 15mm of rain forecast.
And Granite Belt accommodation providers say snow hunters are already making plans to visit.
Bureau of Meteorology senior meteorologist Harry Clark said if current modelling persisted, there was the chance of snow falling on the highest points of the Granite Belt.
“In terms of snow potential in Queensland, it’s still just a chance on Saturday,” he said.
Mr Clark said it depended a lot on the coldness of the air mass, with the modelling “jumping around a fair bit”.
“There’s certainly looking to be some showers around the Granite Belt on Saturday, particularly Saturday afternoon into the evening.
“Around the Girraween area, we could see some flurries on Saturday afternoon.”
Mr Clark said even if it didn’t snow, it would feel “very wintry” on the Granite Belt.
With the potential for snow, accommodation is close to booked out in Stanthorpe and surrounding towns this weekend.
Booking.com is reporting 84 per cent no vacancy rates while on Airbnb only three homes are available – the cheapest at $689 a night. At Ballandean, only one of 13 Airbnbs are still available.
Stanthorpe Holiday Park owner Amanda Denster said accommodation around town was being booked quickly.
“It started filling up pretty quickly, our cabins are all booked out, but we’ve got sites available if someone has got a good heater and they’re willing to brave the cold,” she said.
“If you call places direct, you might get lucky with finding somewhere to stay.”
Ms Denster said the snow forecast was the talk of the town.
“We’ve got some locals and some tourists chatting about it around town, and we’ve got some of our guests extending their stay, hoping to see some snow,” she said.
“I think the locals aren’t too bothered, but the tourists are definitely excited.
“There is a little bit of a buzz around.”
Originally published as When and where snow is predicted to fall in Queensland this weekend
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