Hobart and southern Tasmania are under a severe heatwave warning today as temperatures are forecast to reach 37 degrees, marking what is expected to be the warmest day of the year.
The Tasmania Fire Service has declared a total fire ban for the southern part of the state and is urging anyone who spots smoke to report it immediately to Triple Zero (000).
“A total fire ban means it is illegal to light or to cause a fire in the open. This includes, but is not limited to, incinerators, burn-offs, campfires, fire pots and wood-fuelled barbecues,” the TFS said.
The Department of Education has announced the closure of Molesworth Primary School in the Derwent Valley, while the City of Hobart has shut for kunanyi/Mount Wellington and all reserve areas as a precautionary measure due to the heightened fire risk.
“The closures cover Wellington Park (including kunanyi/Mt Wellington), Knocklofty, Waterworks and Bicentennial reserves, Ridgeway Park and the Queens Domain summit,” the City of Hobart said.
The Department of Health are warning that “everyone is potentially at risk” during extreme heat, with certain individuals being more susceptible to illness than others.
“Make sure to keep in touch with your older friends, family and neighbours to make sure they are coping in the heat. If they do appear ill from the heat, elp cool them down straight away,” they said.
“Use cool baths or showers, or place cool, wet towels on their neck and underarms. Call a doctor or an ambulance (000) if their condition is serious or they do not improve within an hour.”
Greater Hobart Forecast for Thursday
Hobart – Min 20, Max 36: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. The chance of a thunderstorm at night. Winds northerly 20 to 30 km/h increasing to 35 to 50 km/h in the middle of the day then turning west to northwesterly 20 to 25 km/h in the evening.
Huon Valley – Min 18, Max 36: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the south, near zero chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm in the late afternoon and evening. Winds northerly 35 to 50 km/h turning west to northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the evening.
Campania – Min 19, Max 35: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower in the south, near zero chance elsewhere. The chance of a thunderstorm in the late afternoon and evening. Winds northerly 35 to 50 km/h turning west to northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the evening.
New Norfolk – Min 18, Max 36: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. The chance of a thunderstorm at night. Light winds becoming north to northwesterly 25 to 40 km/h in the middle of the day then tending west to northwesterly in the late afternoon.
