Latest news with #coldsnap
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Climate
- RNZ News
Cold weather snap set for country this week as spring start looms
Snow in Tekapo on October 9, 2025. Photo: Supplied Brisk temperatures and icy cold weather maintains a tight grip on much of the country as the last few weeks of winter hit. But how long is the cold snap set to last? Well the official end to winter is nearing, with September 23 closing in ( Springs scientific start date ). However, MetService said it was not going to warm-up anytime this week, with cold southeasterlies locking in frosts, snow and icy conditions. They said the combination of high pressure and low-pressure systems were driving the southeasterlies. Low temperatures were forecast for all on Monday and Tuesday, except regions in the far north. "This squeeze of systems is funnelling cold air up from the south. Eastern regions will have to wait until midweek for the cloud to clear, but elsewhere it's a run of frosty, sunny winter days," MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden said. Lynden said the dreary clouds should disappear by Wednesday. MetService said some ski fields - including Canterbury fields - should expect a snow top-up near the end of the week. "Cool temperatures and clear skies will make for some primo conditions on the mountains," MetService said. "Layer up in the mornings, watch for icy roads, enjoy some crisp, sunny afternoons once the midweek clearance arrives...," MetService meteorologist Devlin Lynden added. The North Island's Desert Road - State Highway 1 - was closed earlier this week because of snow. While Cook Strait passenger ferry sailings were cancelled over the weekend due to strong winds and large swells. The story is southeasterlies!! ↖️️ Looking through today and into tomorrow, cold southeasterlies continue to keep a chill on the country. ️The east coasts catch cloud as moisture moves in off the ocean, keeping things a bit grey and dreary for the likes of Dunedin,… Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Daily Mail
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The $49 Kmart item you never knew you needed: 'High on rotation'
A $49 jacket from Kmart has quickly become the fashion hero of winter, with shoppers across Australia running to nab one for the cold snap. The budget-friendly shearling jacket has been hailed for its luxe look and incredible value, and it's striking resemblance to a $3,400 designer version from Coach. The two jackets share a similar oversized aviator cut, statement shearling collar, vintage-look hardware, and belted hem. Despite the massive price difference, the Kmart jacket doesn't skimp on style or comfort, and is available in women's sizes six through 20. It also comes in a neutral tan shade with cream faux shearling lining, making it easy to pair with everything from activewear to jeans and boots. The colour, fit and quality are making this a winter wardrobe staple thanks to its ability to keep wearers warm on icy mornings, without being too bulky to wear indoors or while running errands. And unlike its high-end counterpart, the Kmart version is machine-washable, making it a practical pick for everyday wear. However, the items' popularity has seen a few disgruntled shoppers who have complained of stock being too low in their area: 'never in stock,' one complained. Kmart swiftly replied to let all hopeful fans know that they are working with their team to 'make sure there are lots of products you love to shop in-store and online.' They're not the only popular winter item that has shoppers in a frenzy – with some $15 Kmart clogs being named as a perfect 'dupe' of $354 designer alternatives. Melbourne-based mum-of-two, Amelia O'Brien, posted the now-viral video when she couldn't believe her eyes after stumbling across the Senior Footbed Clogs in the kids' section of her local Kmart store. 'These are the perfect colour… like this is the exact colour that I wanted, and they cost me $15!' she said in the TikTok video that now has 15,000 views. 'Cute and comfy,' she added. The winter-friendly slip-ons bear a striking resemblance to the Birkenstock Boston Shearling Antique White Suede Clogs, which are a designer favourite that retails for a jaw-dropping $354. 'I have wanted those Birkenstock slides for so long,' Amelia said. 'They look cute, great for Pilates, but also I'm not paying like $260 for them - that's ridiculous!' She also referenced a similar version by UGG that's currently trending, adding 'they're like $120… but I have just come across these!' The bargain shoes are made from a soft faux suede upper with a cosy, fleece-look lining, and they also feature an adjustable buckle strap and a sturdy moulded footbed, making them stylish yet supportive enough for everyday wear. But there is one major catch - they're technically from the kids' range, so they're best suited for adults with smaller feet. 'My feet are small enough to be kids, so that's a little embarrassing… but also, fab for me,' Amelia joked. Shoppers are now rushing to snap them up before they disappear off shelves, with some TikTok users saying they've also found other great 'dupes' of the style elsewhere, and in adult sizing. 'For a bigger foot, Cotton On/Rubi also have a good dupe for them too,' one commented. 'Target have them in kids sizes and they are genuine leather,' said another. 'Only $30!! I was moments away from buying the Birks' or UGGs and then found them.' While these are a great alternative, some commented that sometimes it's more about quality over bargain buy, especially with what will actually last until next season. 'You say you won't spend $260, but I promise you the real Birkies last yearrrrrrs. I have a pair that are 10 years old!' one fan raved. The viral moment couldn't come at a better time, as Aussies rug up amid a brutal cold snap sweeping across the country.
The Independent
27-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
State of emergency as rare cold snap kills seven in South America
Uruguay has declared a state of emergency after an unprecedented cold snap swept across the small South American nation, claiming the lives of at least seven homeless people. The unusual gust of frigid air extending from Antarctica dumped the mass of freezing weather on Monday, shocking a coastal nation with flat terrain accustomed to mild winters in the Southern Hemisphere. Light snow dusted parts of the country for the first time in four years as temperatures hit minus 3 Celsius (26 Fahrenheit) and wind chill readings dipped far below that. But the freeze was breaking on Thursday, with temperatures expected to rise across the country in the coming days. Health officials issued numerous warnings about the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, with homeless people facing potentially devastating circumstances. Outreach workers fanned out around the city, trying to convince people to come indoors. The seven homeless people who died from exposure to the cold were found in various parts of the country — one man who had been sleeping under a bridge, another in a bus station, another in a tent near the river. The homeless population in the economically stable nation of 3.4 million has steadily climbed in recent years, with the Ministry of Social Development in 2024 reporting over 2,700 homeless people — the vast majority in the capital of Montevideo. President Yamandú Orsi this week invoked rare executive emergency authorities that empowered police and other officials to forcibly remove homeless people from the streets, citing a level of risk for the rough sleepers that Uruguay has seldom seen. "The possibility of mandatory evacuation has been applied for the first time because the scale of the problem really requires other tools,' said Leandro Palomeque, director of Uruguay's National Emergency System. Authorities opened 32 new warming centers and three more sprawling evacuation spots — including by converting public gyms and a police academy — and prepared some 1,000 extra beds. Inside one shelter, social workers distributed blankets and hot meals to scores of people who warmed themselves around the steaming vats of meat stew, their faces flushed from the searing winds. Some said police forcibly removed them from the street. 'I was lying on a small table, and the police came and told me I couldn't be on the street,' said Mauricio Rodríguezs. ' I didn't want to come.' Others, reaching the limit of how much they could withstand, sought out a warm bed. 'The worst time of winter is dusk, when the cold starts to set in and your body can't take it anymore,' said Lucas Bilhere, 19, wrapping himself in a blanket in the Montevideo evacuation center. His puppy, Alaska, pranced around the orderly rows of vinyl mattresses strewn with donated sheets where hundreds of people slept bundled up on the polished gymnasium floor. Rumpled shirts and damp socks hung from the nets of soccer goals. Unlike in normal shelters, the warming centers allowed homeless people to bring pets and personal belongings and remained open during the daytime. As much as Bilhere said he dreaded this wintry weather, he feared just as much what would happen when the cold snap passed and the emergency shelters closed. 'My dream is to have my own home ... and sleep warm,' he said. ' I wish that for everyone.'
News.com.au
26-06-2025
- Climate
- News.com.au
Snow-bearing cold snap to stay for the weekend as Mount Buller in Victoria blanketed by 40cm of snow
A cold snap has plunged large swathes of the Australian southeast into frigid temperatures – some regions blanketed in up to 40cm of snow – and there are signs it is likely to endure through to the weekend. Parts of inland NSW have already experienced temperatures low enough to bring snow coverage, including the Central Tablelands towns of Oberon and Black Springs. Images snapped by locals throughout Wednesday and Thursday show the town enveloped in a thick blankets of snow. In Mount Buller, Victoria, local ski resort owner Rob Arvato told ABC News the snow was coming thick and fast. 'I reckon in the last 24 hours we've had in the vicinity of 35, maybe 40cm (of snow) on the upper mountain,' Mr Arvato said. 'As a kid growing up here on Mount Buller, I don't recall ever skiing in early-mid June. You know, it was very, very rare. To have this sort of snowfall across Victoria this early is really, really encouraging' he said. 'We knew the front was coming, all the models were showing snow heading our way, so we always remained optimistic. Mother Nature delivered right on cue … it really is an amazing experience … it feels like you're in Europe right now, it's amazing!' BOM meteorologist Miriam Bradbury said 'broad areas of high pressure' would bring cool mornings to large parts of southern Australia, keeping the cold trend going as Friday arrives. 'In New South Wales tomorrow, widespread morning frosts are on the forecast with morning fogs through the east,' she said. 'We area also likely to see hazardous surf conditions continuing for parts of the East coast, particularly for the Hunter and Macquarie Coasts with powerful southerly swells.' 'For Sydney tomorrow, we're heading for a shower or two and a top of 17C. After a frosty start in Canberra we're heading for a partly-cloudy top of 13C.' Across inland parts of NSW, the BOM predicts lows of -1C, with Canberra reaching a staggeringly cold low of -4C. 'Morning frosts across inland Victoria once again, then partly cloudy daytime conditions particularly through the south and west,' Ms Bradbury said. Wangaratta is gearing up for a low of -2C, with Shepparton and Albury-Wodonga reaching similarly cold lows of -1C. Down in Tassie, morning frosts and fogs will take hold of the state on Friday morning, with Launceston expecting the coldest low at 0C.
ABC News
26-06-2025
- Business
- ABC News
Calls for energy debts to big companies to be wiped
As parts of the country feel the bite of a cold snap a new report is warning hundreds of thousands of Australians are in debt over energy bills. Anglicare has released a new report finding households on minimum are struggling with as little as $33 for left over after paying for rent, food and transport. They're now calling for more to be done including debt forgiveness for those doing it tough.
