Southern Downs shivers as polar wave causes temperatures to plummet

Queensland is shivering as a polar wave surges through the south of the state, and while the expected snow did not come, experts say there could still be time. Here’s how the locals and visitors stay warm.

Snow at Guyra July 16, 2024. (Photo: SE Qld Weather Photography/ Chris McFerran)

While Queensland is in the grip of a brutal cold snap, the south of the state is shivering through a brutal winter week at the lower end of the mercury.

In the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe residents are gearing up for a possible snow event, which could see a blanket of the winter dust sprinkled across the region.

Locals haven’t seen snow since 2019, however, one older resident said that was just a “dusting” and “the last major heavy snowfall event was in 1974.”

Temperatures dipped to 2 degrees just before sunrise this morning, however, the promised snow did not arrive in Downs.

The Granite Belt is preparing for an influx of tourists trying to get a glimpse of the snow, with travellers expected to come from all over Queensland, but mainly the SEQ region.

When the sun comes up in Stanthorpe, its residents take to Rotary and Lions Park in the centre of town to get some air and take their furry friends for a walk.

Robert Lockley and his dog River in Stanthorpe doing his best to stay warm on a frosty July morning. July 16, 2024. (Photo: NRM)

New resident Robert Lockley and his dog River made the move to Stanthorpe 18 months ago, and despite already getting through one winter, he said it’s still difficult to get used to.

“I moved from Western Australia, so it definitely was an adjustment. I’ve found the best way to stay warm is to rug up in front of the fire,” Mr Lockley said.

River the dog had to wear two coats, while Mr Lockley said his morning involves throwing on as many clothes as possible.

“Some days I think to myself, why did I even come here, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, we have a fantastic atmosphere and the friendliest people,” he said.

“You don’t really get used to it, I don’t know if now is the right time for snow, but I think it has to be a bit colder than this for snow.”

Sandra Paterson and her dog Scruffy from Howard in Stanthorpe. July 16, 2024. (Photo: NRM)

Sandra Paterson and her dog Scruffy also braved the cold start to the morning, after making the journey from Howard, near Maryborough, this week.

“We came for a bit of a winter getaway, we love the cold, it’s definitely better than our summers with the oppressive heat,” Mrs Paterson said.

“You can always rug up and put more clothes on!” she said.

Mrs Paterson said Stanthorpe is a major drawcard in winter as Queensland tourists want “something different” and be able to rug up in the cold.

“It would be nice to see some snow but I’m not sure if it will happen, it would be nice.”

Snow was seen on Tuesday at Guyra in northern NSW, with a light dusting of snow a common sight across the New England region earlier in the morning.

Snow at Guyra July 16, 2024. (Photo: SE Qld Weather Photography/ Chris McFerran)

The Bureau of Meteorology said earlier this week cold snap could last from Monday to Wednesday and it would be the strongest chance of seeing a snow in the Sunshine State.

“It’s a pretty low likelihood the Darling Downs will see snowfall, it’s most likely in the highest peaks of the Granite Belt from early Tuesday morning,” meteorologist Livio Regano said.

“If it does happen the snowflakes probably won’t have a chance to hit the ground before they melt.”

Originally published as Southern Downs shivers as polar wave causes temperatures to plummet