Australian Forecast – Storm Disappoints, But a Cracking Weekend Awaits
Published early Wednesday, 12th August 2026
The storm that had initially promised so much has delivered so little. After a thorough beatdown from heavy rain late Sunday into early Monday, resorts have only received around 10-15cm of fresh snow so far, with the low elevations only receiving a dusting. Most of this fell late Monday, the earlier burst of snow we expected in the early hours of Monday as the cold air arrived was a real fizzer, and we only received up to 5cm.
The main problem was that the cold air turned up after the main rainband had passed, depriving it of that essential moisture; there was no cold air sneaking in beneath it. It was a tricky forecast from the get-go, but it is disappointing nonetheless.
The mid and upper slopes have actually come away in good nick, with great conditions up there yesterday (Tuesday), and they’ll receive another 2-6 of snow today (Wednesday) before the weather gradually settles, with improving conditions Thursday and Friday as pressures rise. The weekend then looks fantastic with sunshine, light winds and cold overnight snowmaking temperatures, before milder northerlies return early next week ahead of the next storm window.
Wednesday 12th August
Another day of snow showers, the bulk of which will fall late morning and afternoon as brisk northwesterlies turn westward, before easing in the evening. However, it’ll turn wet on the lower slopes during this time as snow levels lift to around 1600-1700m. We should receive another 2-6cm through the day, mostly on mid and upper slopes.
Thursday 13th August
Clouds clear New South Wales early for a fine, sunny day, but they’ll linger in Victoria, where it may be a little damp and foggy at times, especially in the west on Mt Buller and Mt Baw Baw, reducing visibility. Brisk west-to-southwest winds will gradually back off.
Friday 14th August
Any morning clouds affecting the resorts will clear pronto, but they’ll linger over Mt Baw Baw, where there may be drizzle at times. Southwest breezes die away in New South Wales.
Saturday 15th August
A gorgeous sunny day, with little to no wind. Temps should get chilly enough for the snow guns early morning and overnight.
Sunday 15th August
Another fine day with light winds, apart from some afternoon cloud popping up. Chilly snow-making temps again early morning and overnight.
Extended Forecast
Milder northerly winds will pick up early next week from Monday through Wednesday, the 17th to 19th of August, ahead of approaching storms in the west, which are likely to start making landfall around Thursday or Friday the 20thand 21st. This storm window will likely start wet and rainy, but chances for snowfall increase later in the week through into the last week of August, especially on mid and upper slopes.
That’s all from me today, folks. I’m firing out these forecasts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the season, and an extra update on Sundays during peak season. Have a great couple of days, and I’ll see you back here on Friday.
Grasshopper
