Tasmanians are set to swelter through scorching conditions today with temperatures forecast to exceed 30 degrees across much of the state, as authorities issue warnings for vulnerable members of the community.
The Bureau of Meteorology has declared severe heatwave conditions for much of northern Tasmania, with an extreme heatwave warning in place for the Furneaux Islands.
Launceston and St Helens are expected to reach 32 degrees today, while Hobart will hit 28 degrees.
“Given the start to summer was quite cool compared to average, the warm temperatures that we’re seeing this week have been enough to trigger the heatwave warning for northern Tasmania,” the Bureau of Meteorology said.
The scorching conditions are expected to persist until the weekend, with the official heatwave threshold being triggered by three consecutive days of above-average temperatures.
Health authorities have issued advice, particularly for vulnerable groups.
People are being advised to wear light clothing and drink water regularly, even without feeling thirsty, while checking on vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives.
Extreme heatwaves can be dangerous for everyone, while severe heatwaves pose particular risks to older people, babies, children, pregnant women and those with medical conditions.
Safety advice includes seeking cool places such as homes, libraries or shopping centres, closing windows and drawing blinds early in the day, and using fans or air conditioners where available.
The severe heatwave warning covers multiple regions including the North East, East Coast, Central North, Midlands, Central Plateau, North West Coast and King Island.
Isolated showers are forecast to develop in southern and western areas today, while tomorrow may bring isolated thunderstorms across northern, eastern and western regions.
The hot spell is expected to ease by the weekend as cooler conditions return to the state.
