Aussies shiver through record cold snap

Australians have woken up to some freezing temperatures, with some towns recording their coldest May morning on record.

Widespread frost was reported in parts of Queensland, Northern Territory, New South Wales and Western Australia on Sunday morning.

The Bureau of Meteorology recorded minimum temperatures as low as to -2.7 degrees at Injune Post Office in Queensland.

Records were broken in Hughenden, Queensland, where residents woke up to 1.4 degrees, while Bankstown and Penrith each had their coldest May temperature ever, recording 0.7 degrees and 0.6 degrees respectively.

Tamworth also recorded its coldest May morning with -4.8 degrees.

Sky News Weather meteorologist Alison Osborne said the cold snap is expected to continue for the coming days, with many areas expected to record temperatures “well below average”.

“Easily the coldest so far in Sydney and Canberra with a number of May and Autumn records at the lower end of the scale being easily broken,” Ms Osbourne said.

“Widespread areas are expected to get close to freezing.”

The bureau has also issued marine wind warnings for Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia as the system passes through.

Ms Osbourne said frost is expected to form again in Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory again on Monday, with temperatures forecast to be below five degrees again.

“(Frost is) certainly normal for this time of year but it can be an issue for growers,” she said.

Snow is also forecast to fall over the Australian Alps but Ms Osbourne said it will only be a light dusting.

Sydney is expected to reach a top of 18 degrees on Sunday, while Melbourne will hit a top of 15 degrees.

Queensland should be a little warmer, with temperatures forecast to reach a top of 22 degrees.

Meanwhile, Adelaide recorded 5-20mm of rain overnight and showers are expected across the south east part of the country.

The bureau forecasts this will be the result of a weak trough pushing its way across the southeast, reinforcing cloudy conditions and showers.

“Clear skies, light winds, and chilly mornings are on the cards for the remainder,” the bureau stated.