An Antarctic blast is about to hit southeastern Australia.
A series of cold fronts associated with an intense low pressure system will crossing the southeast at the weekend, sending night temperatures to near or below 0C and bringing snow to wide areas of Victoria, Tasmania and NSW.
Bureau of Meteorology NSW regional director Barry Hanstrum says the first cold front will begin to cross the region on Friday.
"We're expecting temperatures will plummet, winds will be fresh to strong, and snow will fall down to low elevations," Mr Hanstrum said.
"Temperatures are expected to drop to single digits or below zero across the southeast during the nights and mornings.
"The fronts will bring snow to the Australian alpine region on Saturday, which will extend right along the Great Dividing Range on Sunday."
Snow is expected down to 700 metres by Sunday morning in Victoria, meaning the Dandenong Ranges and the central highlands are likely to get falls along with alpine areas.
In NSW, snow will creep up the Great Dividing Range almost to the Queensland border.
Rain is likely in virtually all parts of all three states over the next three days, bringing some relief for drought-affected farmers in northern and western Victoria and inland NSW.
The weather system is also great news for snow bunnies, who have had one of the poorest starts to the ski season in decades.
"Following a slow start to the snow season, this weather system could benefit snow enthusiasts with more snowfall expected in the Alps well into next week," Mr Hanstrum said.
He warned anyone planning outdoor activities for the weekend to watch weather forecasts and to plan for cold conditions.
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