Sydney
© Getty Images
Sydneysiders could expect an average maximum temperature of 59F (15C) for four days – a two year record.
Temperatures will drop to freezing on much of Australia's east coast this weekend in what could be the region's bitterest cold snap in five years.

Strong cold winds, rain, snow and hail were expected to batter the nation's south-east for days.

Sydneysiders could expect an average maximum temperature of 59F (15C) for four days - a two year record.

And temperatures across the region were expected to drop three to seven degrees below average for up to five days, according to Weatherzone.

The NSW Bureau of Meteorology warned of a burst of cold weather caused by a series of cold fronts set to move through the state on Friday and continue over the weekend.

Snow was expected at higher elevations overnight on Thursday.

Barry Hanstrum, Bureau of Meteorology regional director, said he expected temperatures would "plummet, winds will be fresh to strong, and snow will fall down to low elevations".

Snow was expected for the Australian Alpine region on Saturday extending along the Great Dividing Range on Sunday.

"Following a slow start to the snow season, this weather system could benefit snow enthusiasts with more snowfall expected in the Alps well into next week," Mr Hanstrum said.

Peter Zmijewski, senior meteorologist with the NSW Bureau of Meteorology, urged scepticism about what he said were sensational media claims about the weather.

While the period was expected to be the coldest in five or six years, he told the Telegraph that was impossible to confirm until it happened.

"It is definitely shaping up as the most significant cold snap so far this year," he said.

Mr Zmijewski said bitter winds would contribute a significant chill factor.

"I think everywhere in the state, wherever you are, it's going to be cold."

The chill is expected to ease on Wednesday.