Good Morning, Australia!
A significant high-pressure system continues to dominate southeastern Australia, bringing record-breaking cold temperatures expected to persist into next week.
Melbourne woke up to a brisk 1.3°C this morning, following Wednesday’s 1°C low. This marks the coldest two-day stretch the city has seen in two years. Some nearby areas experienced even colder conditions, with Viewbank at -1.6°C and Coldstream at -1.5°C.
Cloud cover will prevent Melbourne’s temperatures from dropping back to freezing over the next few days. However, the chill is expected to return by Sunday morning with a forecast of 1°C for the city center.
Southern Australia is under the influence of a massive high-pressure system, with pressure readings in Tasmania reaching as high as 1,044.6 hectares.
Tasmania’s Liawenee hits a record low of -13.5°C as a high-pressure system dominates the region.This could set a new Australian record if confirmed, surpassing the previous high of 1,044.3 hPa recorded in Launceston in 1967. Currently, the highest recorded pressure is 1,043.9 hPa in Ouse, Tasmania, with further verification underway.
The high-pressure system is also contributing to unusually cold temperatures in Tasmania, where Liawenee recorded a frigid -13.5°C, a new record low for July. Meanwhile, the eastern coast, including Sydney, will experience continued showers due to the high pressure system’s influence.
The cold snap has resulted in low wind levels, impacting electricity generation and leading to increased gas usage. Victoria’s gas storage has notably decreased, prompting higher gas output to meet demand.
Relief is anticipated with a series of cold fronts expected to cross Victoria from mid-next week, potentially easing the pressure on gas supplies and improving wind generation.
Stay warm and tuned for further updates!