Winter hits for seconds

THE Derwent Valley and Central Highlands looked like a winter wonderland over the past few days with record cold weather and snow coating the region.

The snow dump on Monday morning was a far cry from what is usually expected in November.

Fantastic pictures by Maydena Mountain Cabins and Alpacas

The Bureau of Meteorology said the Derwent Valley, Central Highlands and southern region recorded the coldest November in 70 years on Monday morning.

A cold front on Sunday morning followed by a trough late Sunday and early Monday resulted in snowfalls as low as 200 metres on Sunday evening into Monday, particularly about the south of the state.

Icy sleet-like showers, small hail and wind gusts peaking at 70-80 km/h were experienced.

Temperatures have been well below average in Tasmania throughout the week. A Bushwalkers Weather Alert and Warning to Sheep Graziers was issued.

A BOM spokesperson said while cold fronts occurred year-round in Tasmania, snow to low levels was unusual at this time of year, but not unprecedented.

Even sea level communities such as Dunalley experienced flutters of snow and experienced hail.

The bureau is forecasting rainfall in Southern Tasmania between December and February to be above the average.

As well, maximum temperatures are likely to be above median for western Tasmania. Minimum temperatures for the same period are likely to be warmer across Tasmania.

Showers are expected to continue for most of this week, but temperatures will rise in New Norfolk with a forecast of 19 degrees on Saturday.

The same can be said for Ouse, with Saturday forecast to be 20 degrees. Mt Field will still shiver, with Saturday forecast to have a high of just 11 degrees.

A sheep graziers warning remains in place for the Upper Derwent Valley and much of Tasmania due to the cold temperatures.

With summer officially starting in just 13 days, the weather gods need to get their skates on to be ready for warmer weather.