You’ve probably heard the phrase “When it rains, it pours.” You might have also heard that the same applies to Australia. But does it snow in Australia? The short answer is yes. In fact, snow has fallen in many locations throughout the country, including somewhere you wouldn’t expect to see snowfall.
With that being said, snow is not a common occurrence in Australia. In most of the country, this precipitation type falls as rain instead of as snow pellets or ice crystals. If you want to know if it snows in Australia and if so where exactly, keep reading for more information on this topic.
What is Snow?
Let’s start with the basics. What is snow? Snow is frozen precipitation that falls from the clouds. It’s created when water vapor (which is always in the atmosphere) becomes super-cooled and condenses on microscopic particles like dust or sand. These water droplets freeze instantly, depositing their ice crystals onto the ground.
Where does snow fall? Snow is most common at high altitudes. So, as you go higher up in the mountains, snow is more likely to fall. However, it’s possible to get snow at low altitudes too! Snow is a type of precipitation. Other types of precipitation include rain, sleet, and hail.
Where Does it Snow in Australia?
When talking about where it snows in Australia, you want to look at the highest parts of the country. Most of Australia’s snowfall takes place in the mountains of New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Tasmania.
Except for the Southeast coast of Victoria, these are not the places where you’d expect snow. Victoria’s alpine areas have snow every year, but not much falls on the rest of the state. In New South Wales and Queensland, there are no areas where it snows regularly. However, there are some exceptions.
When Does it Snow in Australia?
Snowfall in Australia is unpredictable because it is controlled by the weather. In most places, it happens once every few years. But, it can fall in any season of the year, even when the temperature is above freezing.
Winter is the peak time for snow in the mountains. This is because the Southern Hemisphere has winter from July to September.
What Does Snow Look Like in Australia?
When it snows in Australia, it can vary in appearance. Snow that falls in the higher altitudes of Victoria looks very different from snowfall in other parts of the country. On the tops of mountains in Victoria, snow is often frozen rain or graupel. This is snow that falls and freezes in mid-air.
It looks like a white ball that falls from the sky. Frozen rain is often mistaken for sleet. When snowfall hits lower elevations, it usually falls as a light dusting, or it might even be mistaken for a very chilly fog.
How to Stay Safe When It Snows in Australia
When it snows in Australia, it is best to stay indoors. If you must go out, do so with caution. Here are a few safety tips to follow to stay safe when it snows in Australia.
- Dress appropriately. Wear warm clothing, gloves, and a hat.
- Drive carefully. Leave additional time to reach your destination.
- Keep an eye on livestock.
- Stay connected. Have a landline phone handy so that you can still be in touch with others.
- Keep drinking plenty of water.
If you are visiting the mountains in winter, prepare for the worst. Make sure you have the proper clothing and enough food and water to last you until the snowfall ends. In some cases, the snow may even last for weeks.
Conclusion
The next time someone asks you, “Does it snow in Australia?” you know the answer! You can also use this as an opportunity to learn more about snow and why it looks the way it does in different areas.
There is nothing more beautiful than snow falling and covering the land in its purest form. If you ever get the chance to visit Australia during the winter, make sure to visit the mountains to get a glimpse of this natural beauty.
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