Sub-zero weather, freezing winds: Cold snap to grip Southern Downs according to Bureau of Meteorology

The Southern Downs is in the grip of a cold snap, with temperatures plummeting across the region and southwest Queensland. Can we expect snow and how long can we expect the frosty weather? See the full forecast here.

Southern Queensland is in the grip of a massive cold snap, with residents across the region bracing for more cold weather.

Warwick and Stanthorpe residents may need to get the winter clothes and warm blankets out a bit earlier than expected, with some places across the region expected to reach below zero on Tuesday.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast windy weather and freezing temperatures to start the week.

Agricultural farm in Australia during winter season with frost on wires of paddock fence at sunrise. (Photo: File)

BOM meteorologist Livio Regano said the cold weather marking the start of winter was coming slightly earlier than usual, but would not stick around for too long.

“It’s normal to get a cold snap in May, but this one is a bit earlier than usual, bringing south-westerly winds from a long way south so quickly they don’t have a chance to heat up by the time they get to southern Queensland,” he said.

“We had 3C in Toowoomba last night which is a lot cooler than normal, and it will be a slow recovery this week as gradually, the night time temperatures will rise again.

“In this cold snap it’s nowhere near cold enough for snow in Queensland, but there always is the possibility of snow this winter. It’s quite rare but every now and then it happens, but our seasonal outlook is that it’s dryer than usual – and you need moisture to make snow.

“There is probably even less than usual a chance of getting snow this winter compared to others.”

BOM has also issued weather warnings ahead of the cold snap including one for sheep farmers in the Central West, Maranoa, Warrego, Darling Downs and Granite Belt districts.

“Cold temperatures and gusty winds may be hazardous to livestock, epically young lambs. There is a risk of losses of lambs and sheep exposed to these conditions,” the warning said.

Warwick
Tuesday: -2, 20

Wednesday: 3, 20

Thursday: 9, 21

Friday: 9, 21

Saturday: 7, 21

Stanthorpe

Tuesday: 0, 18

Wednesday: 3, 19

Thursday: 6, 18

Friday: 7, 18

Saturday: 8, 19

Toowoomba

Tuesday: 3, 18

Wednesday: 6, 19

Thursday: 8, 18

Friday: 9, 19

Saturday: 10, 19

Dalby

Tuesday: 0, 20

Wednesday: 2, 24

Thursday: 7, 23

Friday: 7, 24

Saturday: 8, 24

Goondiwindi
Tuesday: 1, 20

Wednesday: 2, 23

Thursday: 4, 25

Friday: 7, 25

Saturday: 8, 25

Roma

Tuesday: 1, 19

Wednesday: 1, 23

Thursday: 5, 25

Friday: 8, 25

Saturday: 9, 25

Originally published as Sub-zero weather, freezing winds: Cold snap to grip Southern Downs according to Bureau of Meteorology