Temperatures dropped in the Hunter over the weekend as strong winds tore through the Valley, caused by a cold front moving across the state on Friday, generating a low pressure system over the Tasman Sea on Saturday morning.
The cooler conditions coupled with light showers brought a dusting of snow to the Barrington Tops on Friday night, with another very light dusting early Saturday morning.
Winds reached up to 60 kilometres per hour over Newcastle, forecasters for the Bureau of Meteorology said, bringing a gale warning for marine waters and a wind chill factor that made 20 degree and sunny conditions feel more like 10 degrees.
Cooler conditions were expected to follow on Sunday and Monday, but winds were expected to ease significantly by Saturday evening.
The weather was typical for the Hunter at this time of year, forecasters said, but warmer days are expected to return toward the later half of next week.
Newcastle SES crews were called out over the weekend to clear a large fallen branch at Waratah, but Unit Commander Ian Robinson said there was no serious damage caused.
He urged residents to stay safe over the weekend, to avoid sheltering under large trees, and to call 132 500 for emergency help if required.
Maximums of 19 degrees and partly cloudy conditions for Newcastle on Sunday, with winds expected to ease to around 15 kilometres per hour, before warmer days return next week with forecasts for mid-20s to 30-degree days.
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