Key Takeaways
- Tasmania may experience a White Christmas with snowfalls forecasted above 800m for December 24 and above 700m for December 25
- Small towns like Miena and Hobart’s Kunanyi could see snow, while lower areas will experience chilly rain and small hail
- Hobart is expected to have a top temperature of 15 degrees on Christmas Day with overnight lows of 8 degrees
- UV ratings will be high, with sun protection recommended from 9am to 5:20pm
- The unusual weather is caused by a polar stream bringing northern hemisphere weather to Tasmania, with the cold air staying mostly south of the mainland
Introduction to the Unusual Weather Pattern
Tasmanians may be in for a unique Christmas experience this year, with the possibility of a White Christmas in some parts of the state. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast snowfalls above 800m for December 24 and above 700m for December 25. These altitudes are significantly lower than normal, especially for summer, which means that it won’t just be adventurous hikers who could enjoy the snow. The unusual weather pattern is expected to bring snow to some areas, while others will experience chilly rain and small hail.
Snowfall Forecast
According to Weatherzone, small towns like Miena, which is located next to Tasmania’s Great Lake and has an elevation of 1052m, could see snowfalls. Even Hobart’s Kunanyi, which has a summit of 1271m, could experience some snow. However, it’s worth noting that the snow is expected to be limited to higher elevations, and lower areas will likely see precipitation in the form of chilly rain, with some small hail mixed in. This is still a significant event, as brief snowfalls are not uncommon for Tasmania’s highest elevations in summer, with falls recorded as recently as a week ago.
Temperature and UV Ratings
Despite the lower temperatures, Hobart is still expected to have a relatively mild Christmas Day, with a top temperature of 15 degrees and overnight lows of 8 degrees. However, UV ratings will be high, with sun protection recommended from 9am to 5:20pm. This highlights the importance of being sun-smart, even on cooler days, as the sun’s UV rays can still cause damage to skin. The temperature and UV ratings will likely vary across the state, with higher elevations experiencing colder temperatures and lower UV ratings.
Causes of the Unusual Weather
The unusual weather pattern is caused by a polar stream that is bringing northern hemisphere weather to Tasmania. According to Weatherzone, the cold fronts that circulate the Southern Ocean tend to slip southwards during the Australian summer, but the occasional pool of unstable polar air can push northwards at this time of year. This is largely due to the jet stream, a swift-moving "river" of air high in the atmosphere that generally blows from west to east. The cold air is set to stay mostly south of the mainland, which means that Tasmania will be the main recipient of this unusual weather pattern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tasmania may experience a unique and memorable Christmas this year, with the possibility of snow in some areas and chilly rain and hail in others. The unusual weather pattern is caused by a polar stream bringing northern hemisphere weather to the state, and the cold air is expected to stay mostly south of the mainland. While the snow is limited to higher elevations, it’s still a significant event that will be enjoyed by many Tasmanians. With high UV ratings and chilly temperatures, it’s essential to be prepared and take necessary precautions to stay safe and enjoy the festive season.