Key Takeaways
- Tasmania experienced a rare white Christmas with snow falling in elevated areas, including Hobart’s Kunanyi/Mt Wellington
- The snowfall occurred overnight, with temperatures on Mt Wellington plummeting to -1.4°C at the summit
- Visitors flocked to Mt Wellington to experience the snow, with many sharing images online
- The Hobart City Council urged visitors to consider alternative transport options and avoid peak periods to minimize congestion
- The weather pattern is attributed to a high pressure system south of the Bight that has built a ridge over Tasmania
Introduction to the Rare Weather Event
Tasmania has been treated to a rare and magical white Christmas, with snow falling in elevated areas around the state, including on Hobart’s iconic Kunanyi/Mt Wellington. The December snowfall occurred overnight, with temperatures on Mt Wellington plummeting to -1.4°C at the summit. However, wind chill factors made it feel significantly colder at -13.9°C, adding to the winter wonderland atmosphere. This rare event has brought excitement and joy to the community, with many eager visitors flocking to the mountain to experience the snow.
Visitor Response and Accessibility
Eager visitors flocked to Mt Wellington first thing in the morning, with many sharing stunning images of the snow-covered summit online. To manage the influx of visitors, the Hobart City Council confirmed that the road to the summit remains open, but urged visitors to consider alternative transport options. The council recommends booking a seat on the mountain explorer bus or parking at Fern Tree and walking to the top to beat the queues. Additionally, those who choose to drive are being asked to avoid the peak period between 11am and 3pm to minimize congestion. The council has also placed digital signs near the bush depot and at The Springs car park to provide visitors with real-time updates on traffic conditions.
Capturing the Moment
Local photographer Katy Morgan made the trek up the mountain around 5am, capturing stunning images of the snow-covered landscape. Her early morning expedition paid off, as she was able to get an incredible first glimpse of the snow. Meanwhile, Abby Duce in the Central Highlands shared images of her white Christmas camping in a van by the lake, describing it as an "absolute blessing". The beautiful scenery and serene atmosphere have made for a truly unforgettable Christmas experience for many.
Weather Conditions Across the State
The Bureau of Meteorology reported that the snow line dropped to around 700 metres in the morning, with fresh and gusty southwesterly winds bringing showers mainly to the west and south of Tasmania. Mountain areas across the state experienced particularly harsh conditions, with Mount Read on the West Coast recording 0°C and wind chill of -9.8°C, while Liawenee on the Central Plateau registered 1.0°C with a feels-like temperature of -7.1°C. In contrast, Tasmania’s east coast enjoyed considerably milder Christmas Day conditions, with Eddystone Point in the north-east reaching a comparatively balmy 14.9°C.
Weather Forecast and Attribution
The weather pattern has been attributed to a high pressure system south of the Bight that has built a ridge over Tasmania. This system has brought the cold and snowy conditions to the state, making for a rare and special Christmas experience. The Bureau forecasts isolated showers to continue tomorrow, mainly about the west and south, before easing during the afternoon. As the state returns to more typical summer weather, the memory of this white Christmas will be cherished by many, and the images and stories will be shared for years to come. The unique weather event has brought a sense of wonder and excitement to the community, and will be remembered as a special and rare occurrence in Tasmania’s history.
