Millions set to shiver as polar winds sweep states

Gale force winds and rain deluges of up to 100mm will sweep over millions of Australians next week as a major polar outbreak brings severe weather to several states.

A large pool of cold air from waters near Antarctica will spread across south-eastern Australia from this weekend, Weatherzone has warned.

Temperatures are set to plummet into next week, with the probability of non-alpine snowfalls “from Tasmania to northern New South Wales”.

The air mass will also create a low pressure system over the Tasman Sea that is forecast to linger into next week.

It’s likely to bring damaging winds from Saturday to Tuesday in Tasmania, Victoria, and NSW, as well as heavy rain, Weatherzone said.

Gale force winds with gusts exceeding 90km/hr will sweep Tasmania and eastern Victoria on Sunday and Monday, with the damaging winds extending to NSW on Monday.

They could possibly range up to Sydney and Illawarra.

“The fierce winds that are predicted to hit southeastern Australia from this weekend have the potential to topple trees after a prolonged wet period has led to a soggy landscape,” Weatherzone said.

“While winds should continue to be strong across eastern Australia on Tuesday, they should ease below damaging strength as the low moves further east over the Tasman Sea.”

Heavy rain will also hammer Tasmania and Victoria from the weekend into early next week.

Forecasts are uncertain but both states should see falls of 30mm to 60mm in parts, with the potential for more than 100mm in some areas.

Weatherzone said the low pressure system could also bring heavy swell and dangerous surf along the east coast, with offshore waves larger than five metres near Tasmania, and four metres off Victoria and southern NSW.