Winter solstice arrives in Australia, as icy temperatures hit the country’s south east

Australia’s shortest day of the year has arrived, bringing with it icy temperatures, frost, snow and severe weather warnings.

Millions of Australians are battling icy temperatures, with much of the country’s southeast expected to experience widespread frosty conditions on Australia’s shortest day of the year.

Large parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and some parts of Queensland are forecast to see cold temperatures, frost and possible fog over the weekend.

The winter solstice arrived on Saturday, meaning Australia will have its “shortest day of the year”, or the day with the least amount of daylight hours.

A severe cold front set to hit South Eastern Australia over the next few days. Picture: BOM

The first cold outbreak of the winter season is impacting southeastern Australia this weekend. Picture: Perisher

A second cold front is also expected to hit the country’s southeast on Sunday morning, bringing further icy conditions as it makes its way across Western Australia and into South Australia.

Some parts of the southeast might dip below freezing temperatures on Sunday morning, Sky News Weather Presenter Nikolina Kharoufeh said.

The second cold front is expected to bring heavy rainfall and very widespread, strong and gusty winds across South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania.

Here’s what those in Australia’s capital cities should expect this weekend.

Sydney

Sydneysiders should expect a partly cloudy day on Saturday with a high of 19C and a low of 11C, with light winds.

On Sunday, Sydney will see a mostly sunny day with a high of 20C and a low of 12C.

Melbourne

In Melbourne, a cloudy day, with a chance of showers is forecast on Saturday with a high of 15C and a low of 8C.

On Sunday, a partly cloudy day is expected with a high of 16C and a low of 9C.

Brisbane

Those up in Brisbane are expected to see a sunny day on Saturday with a high of 24C and a low of 14C.

On Sunday, Brisbane is forecasted to have a mostly sunny day with a high of 25C and a low of 15C.

Perth

Over in Perth on Saturday showers are expected with a high of 18C and a low of 10C.

On Sunday, a partly cloudy day is expected with a high of 19C and a low of 11C.

Adelaide

In Adelaide on Saturday a cloudy day and a chance of rain is expected with a high of 17C and a low of 9C.

On Sunday light winds are expected with a high of 18C and a low of 10C.

Hobart

Down in Hobart, a chance of showers is expected on Saturday, with a high of 13C and a low of 6C.

On Sunday, a partly cloudy day is forecast with a high of 14C and a low of 7C.

Canberra

In the nation’s capital, chilly temperatures are expected on Saturday, with a high of 15C and a low of 2C.

On Sunday, Canberra should see a mostly Sunday day with a high of 16C and a low of 3C.

Darwin

Up in Darwin, a sunny day is forecast on Saturday with a high of 31C and a low of 21C.

On Sunday, a high of 32C and a low of 22C is forecast.

Originally published as Winter solstice arrives in Australia, as icy temperatures hit the country’s south east