Guyra residents awoke yesterday  morning to see a good dusting of snow on the ground and there were several flurries during the day – but nothing which settled.

Shane Beechey of Black Mountain Roadhouse and Motel said there had also been a light covering of snow on the ground at Black Mountain yesterday morning.

“It’s snowing but it’s not settling ... much to the disappointment of a lot of tourists,” he said.

Mr Beechey said there had been a lot of “sleety showers” yesterday.

Bureau of Meteorology officer in charge Michael Glasson said it was a surprise to see it snow yesterday, as it had not been forecast, although locals in colder parts of the region weren’t too surprised.

Yesterday followed a weekend of chilly conditions, some rain and some strong winds recorded on Saturday up to 72km/h at Armidale, 63km/h in Tamworth and 59km/h at Moree.

At the Quirindi race meeting yesterday, owner of three-year-old gelding Prattler – Fiona Watt, of Dubbo – said it was “pretty freezing”.  

“The sun was out when we got here but it’s since clouded over,” she said.

Mr Glasson said winds would become lighter today and conditions would ease. Morning fog and frost could be expected over the next few days, “especially for the slopes and tablelands”.

Tamworth will wake to minus- one-degree temperatures until Friday morning, when it should be zero.

The top temperatures over the next few days in Tamworth are expected to be 14, 16 and 19 degrees. 

“It will be mostly sunny over the next few days and for the rest of the week,” Mr Glasson said.

“The next change will probably come through Saturday, then it will turn cold again on Sunday, with temperatures dropping a couple of degrees.”