Snow brings joy to the hills

The Mount Dandenong Hotel was blanketed in snow. Picture: JENNY REES

By Romy Stephens

Residents from parts of the Dandenong Ranges had something to smile about on 4 August as snow fell across numerous towns.

In what’s been a difficult year for many due to Covid-19, locals in suburbs such as Olinda, Kallista and Sassafras took some time to enjoy their brief winter wonderland.

Late in the afternoon and night, videos and photos were shared across social media of snow falls that blanketed towns.

Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Miriam Bradbury said snow was seen at low levels across the state.

“We had a low pressure system moving across the state and bringing a very very cold air mass with it that did push the snow level right down,” she said.

“We did have snow falls reported as low as 150 metres above sea level in the Colac area.

“Also reports of snow reaching the ground in some of the Melbourne suburbs. It didn’t really settle on the ground but it was certainly enough to be noticeable.

“In addition to that snow we did also see isolated hail and thunderstorms across southern Victoria throughout the day yesterday.”