Thunder has roared across greater Hobart this evening, bringing a surprise end to one of Tasmania’s hottest days of the summer so far.
Two dry lightning strikes were recorded around 7pm, with one particularly spectacular double-bolt strike hitting Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, sending thunder rumbling across the greater Hobart basin.
The brief electrical storm came as Tasmania sweltered through a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring past 35 degrees in some parts of the state.
Fingal claimed the title of Tasmania’s hottest location Thursday, recording 35.2 degrees at 4:03pm, while Flinders Island Airport registered 34.5 degrees.
“Severe heatwave conditions are expected to ease by the weekend,” the Bureau of Meteorology stated.
Weather data showed Hobart reached 25.8 degrees earlier in the day before cooling to 18.5 degrees by 7:10pm just after the lightning occurred.
The Kunanyi/Mt Wellington weather station recorded a temperature of 17.8 degrees around the time of the lightning strike, with northwesterly winds of 20km/h.
A high-pressure system over the Tasman Sea extending a ridge across Tasmania has been identified as responsible for the hot conditions that affected much of the state.
Hobart is forecast to experience milder conditions Friday with a maximum of 25 degrees, while fresh and gusty winds are expected across Tasmania by Saturday, accompanied by showers particularly in western and southern regions.
Health authorities had earlier advised residents in affected areas to stay hydrated and seek cool environments, especially in towns experiencing the most extreme temperatures.
