People in Canberra are bundling up this weekend as winter truly settles in. The weather has turned especially cold, with grey skies hanging overhead and a biting breeze moving through the city. It’s not the kind of cold that just makes you put on a jacket—it’s the kind that seeps into your bones if you’re out for too long. This change in weather is part of a larger cold front that’s swept across much of southeastern Australia, and it’s brought not only low temperatures but some scattered rain and strong winds. For anyone thinking of spending time outdoors, it’s a good weekend to rethink those plans or make sure you’ve got extra layers on. The chill is real, and it’s sticking around for now.
What This Weekend’s Weather Means for Locals
With the King’s Birthday long weekend here, many people had hoped to enjoy a break outdoors. But nature seems to have other plans. Saturday started off around 7°C, and it felt even colder with the wind. It’s been cloudy all day, and occasional drizzles have made it damp and uncomfortable. On Sunday, it’s expected to stay cloudy with some light rain here and there, and temperatures won’t climb much higher than 7 or 8°C. Monday, which is a public holiday, may see things brighten slightly, but it’s still going to be cold. The highs may hit around 9°C at most. If you’re stepping out, bring a warm coat, maybe even a scarf and gloves. Staying indoors with a warm drink sounds like the better plan.
Safety Advice as Weather Impacts Roads and Travel
Cold weather isn’t just uncomfortable—it can also be dangerous, especially for people traveling by road. The wind chill, combined with wet surfaces, can lead to black ice in certain areas, especially early in the morning or late at night. Authorities are asking drivers to slow down and be cautious, especially if traveling to higher areas like the nearby ranges. For people planning to drive toward snowy parts of the region, extra care is needed. Snow might not be falling in the city, but it’s definitely piling up elsewhere. So whether you're on a quick drive to the shops or heading out of town, it's smart to check road conditions and weather alerts before leaving.
Snow and Storms Just Outside the City
While Canberra won’t get any snow itself, there’s been plenty of it falling nearby, especially in the mountain regions. Places higher than 1100 metres above sea level have been seeing heavy snow. Some areas could get over 40 cm of it, which is good news for ski lovers but not so great for anyone caught unprepared. The snow is being driven by strong winds, making it feel more like a blizzard in certain areas. It’s not unusual for snow to fall around this time of year, but the intensity of this front has taken some people by surprise. Resorts are welcoming the snow, but authorities are reminding people to stay safe if they plan to travel to those spots.
What’s Coming Up Next Week?
As we move past the long weekend, there’s some hope that the worst of the cold might ease off slightly. Forecasters are saying that by late Monday, the wind could die down a bit, and daytime temperatures might rise slightly. But it’s still winter, and Canberra doesn’t warm up much at this time of year. Even when the skies clear, the cold air tends to stick around. Nights will continue to be chilly, and there could be more frosty mornings ahead. If you haven’t already pulled out the heavier blankets or fixed that drafty window, now’s a good time. This winter is shaping up to be a cold one, and early signs show it might stay that way for a while.
Image Source: The Guardian
