TEMPERATURES will plummet, winds will be strong and gusty and snow will fall to new levels in the ACT this weekend, says the Bureau of Meteorology. 

The Bureau’s weather services manager Andrew Treloar says the weather will be “extreme and dramatic”, quickly changing to a “biting cold.”

“Anyone planning to be out and about, particularly bushwalkers, snow sports enthusiasts, campers and boaties, need to keep a very close eye on weather forecasts and warnings, and plan for conditions that range from pleasantly summer-like to winter extreme,” Mr Treloar says.

The change is associated with a strong cold front that began moving into western New South Wales on Thursday, and will extend across the state today. With the front are strong and gusty northerly winds, widespread rain and possible thunderstorms.

Mr Treloar says the front will leave in its wake a significant cold snap, bringing snow to the lower levels of the Alps and parts of the Southern and Central Tablelands, particularly overnight Saturday and into Sunday morning. Snow is expected down to 600-700 metres in the Southern Tablelands and the ACT, and around 1000 metres in the Central Tablelands. Roads will be icy in many areas.

Widespread rainfall with totals up to 10-20 mm is falling over the inland and southern ranges today ahead of the change, with locally higher falls up to 50 mm in some areas.

Very windy conditions are expected about the Snowy Mountains and higher parts of the tablelands, and that the combination of wind and rain will make conditions hazardous for people undertaking outside activities. It will also put stress on livestock.

“Next week will be slow to warm up. South-westerly winds will bring cooler, more seasonal conditions,” Mr Treloar says.

All Queanbeyan City Council sportsfields are closed for today, Saturday and Sunday due to the wet weather.