Brisbane residents awoke to the chilliest morning of the year on Thursday, with temperatures dipping to 9°C, marking the city’s coldest start to a day in 2025. This cold snap heralds the onset of the winter dry season in South East Queensland, following an autumn that was notably wetter than average.

The Bureau of Meteorology attributes the sudden drop in temperatures to a high-pressure system moving across New South Wales and Victoria, drawing cold air into southern and central Queensland. This system has caused temperatures to plunge to near-freezing levels in several regions.

In the Darling Downs and Granite Belt areas, towns like Oakey and Dalby recorded temperatures around 0°C, with apparent temperatures—factoring in wind chill—falling below freezing. Brisbane itself saw minimum temperatures between 9–11°C, with forecasts predicting continued single-digit lows in the coming days.

Despite the frosty mornings, the days are expected to be clear and sunny, offering some respite from the cold. However, meteorologists warn that another cold front is anticipated early next week, potentially bringing even colder conditions and the rare possibility of snow flurries in high-altitude areas near the Queensland-New South Wales border.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s climatologist, Felicity Gamble, noted that the recent wet conditions are giving way to the drier weather typical of Queensland’s winter. “It has been quite a wet May for South East Queensland, and, in fact, when you look at the autumn period as a whole, much of South East Queensland was substantially wetter than average,” Gamble said.

As the dry season sets in, residents are advised to prepare for continued cold mornings and to stay informed about weather updates, especially with the potential for further cold fronts in the near future.

Temperatures dip below seasonal norms with persistent showers and biting winds forecasted across Melbourne this long weekend.

Melbourne Weather Forecast: June 5–11, 2025

Melbourne is experiencing a significant shift into winter, with a pronounced cold front bringing the coldest conditions of the year thus far. Daytime temperatures are struggling to reach 15°C, while overnight lows are dropping to around 6°C. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has issued a Severe Weather Warning for damaging winds across parts of Victoria, including the Mornington Peninsula and Central Ranges, effective until 5:00 PM AEST on Friday.

The King’s Birthday long weekend is set to be particularly cold and wet. Saturday, June 7, is expected to have a high of 15°C with a 90% chance of rain and strong winds. Sunday will be slightly cooler, with a high of 13°C and an 80% chance of showers. Monday continues the trend with temperatures ranging from 6°C to 13°C and an 80% chance of rain.

Despite this early winter chill, the BOM’s long-range forecast suggests that Melbourne may experience an “unusually warm” winter overall. From June to August, daily maximum temperatures are expected to surpass 15°C, with minimums remaining above 7.5°C. Rainfall levels are projected to be consistent with previous years.

This early winter chill follows an autumn that recorded Victoria’s highest mean maximum temperatures, averaging 1.9°C above the historic norm. The state also experienced its driest winter since 2008, with less than half the rainfall compared to the 1961–1990 average.

As Melbourne navigates this cold and wet start to winter, residents are encouraged to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions, especially during the upcoming long weekend. With the potential for severe weather conditions, it’s advisable to plan indoor activities and ensure safety measures are in place.

Tonight might just be one for the books. According to a fresh update from NOAA‘s Space Weather Prediction Center, parts of the United States could be treated to a breathtaking display of the aurora borealis—better known as the northern lights. A geomagnetic disturbance triggered by a recent solar flare and dual coronal mass ejections is expected to push the auroral oval deep into North America, making it possible for 13 states to witness the celestial show.

The Kp index, which measures geomagnetic activity on a scale from 0 to 9, is projected to reach 4.67, with an outside chance of hitting G3-level storms. While Monday night witnessed some of the most intense solar activity in recent times, forecasters say tonight—Tuesday, June 4th—still holds strong potential, albeit with slightly reduced intensity. Space weather experts, including those from the U.K. Met Office, speculate that minor to moderate activity could still push the lights into view for millions across the northern United States.

Where Will the Northern Lights Be Visible Tonight?
If you’re lucky enough to live in Alaska, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, you’re in prime territory. Other states like South Dakota, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon are also listed as likely candidates for visibility, depending on how strong the geomagnetic activity turns out to be.

On Monday, the view line extended unusually far south—as low as southern Nebraska and northern Missouri, with even states like Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Massachusetts catching glimpses. While tonight’s projection isn’t expected to dip quite as low, experts advise remaining alert, as auroras are notoriously unpredictable.

Best Time and Tips for Viewing the Aurora
The ideal window for viewing is between 10 PM and 2 AM local time, when the skies are darkest. For the clearest sightlines, head to elevated locations away from city lights and look north. Apps like “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” and “Space Weather Live” can provide real-time updates based on your GPS location.

Capturing the Magic
To photograph the northern lights, NASA recommends night mode, long exposure, and using a tripod for your smartphone. DSLR users should opt for a wide-angle lens, a low F-stop (≤ f/4), and a steady mount. Even if your eyes can’t catch the full detail, your camera lens might surprise you.

Why Now? A Surge in Solar Activity
This year marks a significant moment in the sun’s 11-year solar cycle, known as the solar maximum, which began ramping up in 2024 and is expected to peak through early 2026. These solar flares and ejections release charged particles that interact with Earth’s magnetic field, sparking auroras. With this heightened solar activity, these luminous shows may become more frequent and more visible across the United States in the coming months.

So whether you’re a seasoned skywatcher or a curious first-timer, tonight could be your golden opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon that many travel halfway across the world to witness. Don’t miss it—look up, and let the sky surprise you.