Wet snow on the way? Here’s what to expect from this unpredictable weather

We've been soaking it up over the past few days, haven't we? The outdoor tables were packed, we finally got to leave the jacket at home, and you could spot smiles everywhere. But hey, this is Australia – you knew it wouldn't last. It's March, and March likes to keep us on our toes. And this time, it's really throwing a curveball. We're swapping that spring sunshine for a dose of wintry weather, with rain, hail and, yep, you read that right: wet snow.

From spring to winter: the change is here

The shift started this morning. Yesterday we were out in t-shirts, but now the wind has turned and there's a real chill in the air. Over the next few hours, that’s only going to get more noticeable. A strong weather system is rolling in from the west, and it’s going to pack a punch. So, my advice? Keep that winter coat handy – trust me, you’re going to need it.

It’s shaping up to be a day of extremes. One minute the sun’s out making you second-guess, the next you're copping a sudden downpour out of nowhere. And these aren't just your average showers. There’s a good chance we’ll see a pretty wild mix – think decent-sized hail bouncing off the car, and yes, that wet snow. Not the pretty postcard kind, but those heavy, soggy flakes that melt down your collar and turn everything into a cold, grey mess in no time.

What’s going on with our weather?

We’re stuck in an unsettled pattern. Colder air from the south is clashing with the last of that mild air we were enjoying. That’s a classic recipe for some wild weather. The forecast models are pretty clear: a few regions, particularly inland and across the south-east, are going to cop the worst of it. There are already warnings that the spring fun is over for now – over the coming hours we’re in for a mix of hail, storms, and yep, that wet snow again. Everyone I’ve spoken to at the weather bureau agrees – we’re in for a rough couple of days.

And it’s that combination that really gets you. Wet snow usually makes you think of cars sliding around, but let’s not forget the cyclists. If you're heading out early in the morning, the roads could be slippery. Not from a thick blanket of snow, but from that wet layer that’s just starting to freeze. Anyone who’s been around for a while knows that can be more dangerous than a full-blown storm.

• Morning commute: risk of slippery patches from leftover wet snow, especially on bridges and bike paths.
• Afternoon: a mix of sunshine and heavy showers with hail and wet snow.
• Evening: skies clearing but feels-like temperatures dropping well below zero.

And I haven’t even mentioned the wind. That’s what’s really going to make it uncomfortable. It’s the kind of day where you’d rather stay inside with a cuppa, but life doesn’t stop. So if you’re heading out, just be warned.

As I’m writing this, I’m thinking of a mate of mine who works in logistics. He was telling me the other day that weather like this is an absolute nightmare for planning. One decent shower of wet snow and everything grinds to a halt. And he’s spot on. A few hours of this and the whole city’s at a standstill, because no one expects March to hit us like this.

Advice from an old hand

I’ve lived here my whole life, and I can tell you one thing: never trust the first bit of sunshine. March weather is like a cat that can’t decide if it wants to be in or out. So that winter coat I mentioned? Just keep wearing it. And the umbrella? Forget it. With this wind and wet snow, it’s useless. Grab a good waterproof jacket, chuck on a beanie, and accept that it’s just going to be one of those grey, soggy days. Tomorrow might be completely different.

So keep an eye on the weather radar – you don’t want to be caught out when a band of wet snow rolls through. The next 24 hours are going to be messy, but hey, we’re used to a bit of unpredictability here. At least it gives us something to have a whinge about, right?