Snow, Hail and Thunderstorms Swept Across South Australia
Date
16 June 1876
Summary / Overview
Snow, hail, sleet, rain, thunder and lightning were reported across numerous districts on 16 June. Roads around Saddleworth became almost impassable, while snowfall attracted strong public interest in places where many residents had rarely or never seen it.
Meteorological data recorded at the time
Documentary observation — Mount Rufus: one report gives 5–6 inches of snow; another describes snow 5 inches deep in places.
Historical descriptions / observations
Evening Journal, 17 Jun 1876 — Truro/Mount Rufus: “From five to six inches of snow fell this morning at Mount Rufus.”
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer, 20 Jun 1876 — Saddleworth: “We have had snow, hail, sleet, and rain in succession to-day with thunder and lightning.”
Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer, 20 Jun 1876 — Dutton: the snow “excited wonder and admiration…”
Source
The Express and Telegraph, 16 Jun 1876; Evening Journal, 17 Jun 1876; Kapunda Herald and Northern Intelligencer, 20 Jun 1876.