Sunshine and snow: Your photos of WA's wild August weather

Western Australia experienced an unusual August weather pattern, characterized by a mix of sunshine and snow. After a particularly dry July, much of the state received much-needed rainfall in August, ending winter with a wet note. Perth officially began the month with a cool 17.7 degrees Celsius, but temperatures quickly rose to above 25C within three days.

Winter continued to linger as the city came close to recording its coldest August day on record, with temperatures dipping to a mere 12C. While southern regions eagerly awaited more winter rains, the north received an unseasonal drink of rain due to a trough and north-west cloud band from the Indian Ocean. This brought uncharacteristic rainfall to the western Pilbara and Gascoyne regions, surpassing monthly averages in some areas.

The north received relief first, but the southern regions awaited their turn. A cold front and tropical moisture linked up in the south, resulting in widespread rain, showers, and blustery winds. Snow was observed on Bluff Knoll, with Alec and Bev marking their first sighting during a trek on August 8. A second flurry of snow was reported on August 11, along with hail reports across various areas.

A unique cloud band stretched from Exmouth to Sydney, delivering storms and rain to the interior, though totals were generally lower across the Wheatbelt and Great Southern districts.

Perth's metro gauge recorded 97mm of rain during August, marking a shift from the drought conditions of the previous month. The city experienced a mix of late-winter weather, with overnight temperatures plummeting to 2.5C, causing foggy and frosty mornings. Despite the occasional rain, many parts of the state enjoyed pleasant winter days, with temperatures dropping to single digits at times.

The month concluded with a significant burst of winter rain, dubbed "season-saving" by farmers, delivering widespread rain and thunderstorms that resulted in new daily rainfall records in several regions.