Sneak peek at winter is coming with snow to hit states

Many Australians can expect to see chilly temperatures in forthcoming days. (Josh Agnew/AAP PHOTOS)

A cold front and chasing high-pressure system should cause the mercury to plunge across most of southern Australia in coming days.

The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting a first taste of wintry conditions across much of the country, with the first snow of the year likely for multiple areas.