Millions shivering as polar blast brings coldest day of the year to multiple states – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)
A sharp polar blast has swept across Australia’s southeast, driving temperatures to their lowest levels of the year in multiple states. The Bureau of Meteorology recorded a maximum of just 14 degrees in Melbourne, marking the city’s coldest day so far, while Canberra reached only 12 degrees. Overnight lows are expected to fall as low as one degree in the capital and 10 degrees in Melbourne and Sydney. The chill has also brought the prospect of snow and hail to higher ground in Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales and the ACT.
City-by-City Temperature Drops
Melbourne’s daytime high of 14 degrees fell well below seasonal norms, with the mercury set to slide further to around 10 degrees by evening. Canberra’s reading of 12 degrees is expected to reach one degree by midnight, the coldest overnight figure reported in the current spell. Adelaide recorded a maximum of 17 degrees and Hobart 13 degrees, both noticeably cooler than average for early May. Sydney posted a top of 19 degrees, still well below typical late-autumn conditions, before falling to 10 degrees overnight.
Snow, Hail and Coastal Warnings
Weatherzone forecasters have warned of showers containing small hail and snow across the NSW Central Tablelands, parts of Victoria, Tasmania and the ACT. The same system has triggered a marine wind warning that remains in force until tomorrow for the Macquarie Coast, Illawarra Coast, Batemans Coast and Eden Coast. These conditions are expected to ease only gradually, with temperatures rising by just a couple of degrees from tomorrow and staying in a similar cool range for several days.
Outlook for the Coming Days
The Bureau of Meteorology anticipates a modest rebound in daytime maxima across the southeast, yet the overall pattern is likely to keep residents reaching for extra layers. The polar air mass responsible for the current chill is not expected to clear quickly, leaving the region under the influence of the same system through the weekend. Residents in affected areas have been advised to prepare for continued low temperatures and the possibility of further wintry showers at elevation.
What matters now: The polar blast has delivered the coldest day of 2026 so far to Melbourne, Canberra and surrounding regions, with overnight lows approaching record territory for the season and snow possible on higher ground.
