Snow-like hail falls in Melbourne CBD, Mt Buller records biggest snowfall in 22 years

Swirling flurries had Melburnians wondering if snow was falling in the CBD — but experts have explained why that’s unlikely.

Melburnians could have been forgiven for thinking it was snowing in the CBD on Tuesday, when small hail flurried past city skyscrapers.

Footage taken by residents of a high-rise building, which was uploaded to Facebook page Explore Melbourne, appears to show snow falling about 10.30am and 1pm near Queen Victoria Market.

Phoebe de Wilt from the Bureau of Meteorology said it was “really tricky” to identify whether it was snow or hail falling from the footage.

“It does look like snow but it’s more likely that it’s hail,” she said.

“The snow level was not low enough (on Tuesday) to get snow flurries down to that level.”

Ms de Wilt said snow typically falls down but can also fly up as well.

Melbourne has shivered through a cold, wet start to winter. Picture: Tony Gough

“So when you get those turbulent winds in the CBD, it can cause hail — if it’s light enough — to act like snow,” she said.

The meteorologist said BOM received reports from the public on Tuesday that it was snowing in the CBD.

But Ms de Wilt said, ultimately, the flurry would remain a mystery.

“Without observing what those crystals actually are, we cannot say it’s one or the other,” she said.

It comes as snowsport enthusiasts gear up for a long weekend in the high country as Mt Buller records the highest snowfall in two decades.

Between 66cm and 81cm of snow was measured on Tuesday which was the deepest for June 7 since 2000 when 85cm was recorded.

A cars buried under snow as Mt Buller records the biggest snowfall in two decades. Pictures: Supplied

The alps have been transformed into a winter wonderland.

“It’s an incredible start to the season and it was terrific to roll lifts a week early to share these superb conditions with skiers and boarders able to make it up before the official festivities this long weekend,” Mt Buller spokesperson Rhylla Morgan said.

“This is just what the alpine areas needed after two very challenging years with lockdowns.”

Mt Buller has seen 94cm fall since May 31 with the average depth of natural snow at 66cm.

Ms Morgan said grins were on the runs and chairlift which usually doesn’t happen until July or August.

“This storm hit a week ago and it’s stayed snowy and cold since, we feel like we are living inside a snowglobe right now,” she said.

Ms Morgan said Mt Buller was experiencing some of the strongest forward bookings they have ever recorded as the Bureau of Meteorology expects more snow showers to sweep the region from Tuesday to Sunday.

The Simmons family plays in the first snow of the season at Mt Buller. Picture: Arsineh Houspian

Peter Lombardi and Karlee Rich ride toboggans with Max, 6, and Amelia, 4 at Mt Baw Baw, Picture: Aaron Francis

Meanwhile, Four Wheel Drive Victoria warned motorists of wet, cold and dangerous conditions at Alpine National Park.

“Some tracks including those above 1000m are currently impassable due to deep snow, significant tree fall and slippery conditions on steep slopes,” the group wrote on social media.

“The depth of river crossings may also increase, vehicles venturing into these areas may become trapped by snowfalls of rising rivers.”

The association said it was unlikely track conditions would improve prior to the long weekend.

“Visitors are asked to reconsider trip plans to avoid high elevation 4WD tracks, especially 4WD tracks in the Mt Selwyn area, Upper Howqua, Bluff, King Billy, Twins, Howitt High Plains, Dargo High Plains, and Mt Skene,” they said.

Victorians welcomed an early start to the snow season last week, with ski resorts opening on June 4.