Snow Alert! Queensland's Granite Belt Braces for Possible Snowfall!
Is Queensland about to turn into a winter wonderland? Residents of the Granite Belt region are buzzing with anticipation as a low-pressure system brings the possibility of snow flurries this weekend. After a wetter-than-usual period, locals believe the conditions are ripe for a significant snowfall, something that typically occurs every decade or so.
Leeanne Gangemi-Puglisi, who runs Ballandean Estate Wines south of Stanthorpe, is already seeing a surge in bookings. "My restaurant was already fully booked out. Our wine tasting room is full on Saturday, but we’ve got a few spots on Sunday," she says, anticipating an influx of day-trippers eager to experience the rare Queensland snow.
Christie Johnson from the Bureau of Meteorology confirms the possibility, explaining that a low-pressure system developing off the New South Wales coast is moving north-west, potentially bringing snow to the Granite Belt on Friday and Saturday. Forecast lows of 0 degrees Celsius are expected.
Snow Level Prediction
"Having come from a south-easterly direction, it’ll have come off the water and there will be a bit more moisture with it, so we might actually see the coldest air lining up with a little bit of moisture," Johnson says. The snow level could drop to 1200 meters, meaning the highest points of the Granite Belt, particularly around Girraween National Park, could see some snow flurries.
A Boost for Local Tourism
The prospect of snow is a welcome boost for the region's tourism industry, particularly during the winter season. Businesses like Ballandean Estate Wines are preparing for a busy weekend as people flock to the Granite Belt to witness the spectacle. The last major snowfall in 2015 brought a flurry of excitement and visitors, and locals are hoping for a repeat this year.
So, keep your eyes peeled and your warmest clothes ready - Queensland might just be in for a snowy surprise!