Hobart sets new benchmark with hottest December day in recorded history

Hobart has recorded its hottest December day since observations began in the 1800s – but it wasn’t the hottest place in the state.

HOBART has sweltered through its hottest December day on record, with the mercury rising to 40.8C.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Luke Johnston said while the observation was yet to be officially verified, which could take several days, Monday’s weather was “potentially a significant record” for Hobart, eclipsing a predicted 40C at 1.47pm.

The last time Hobart recorded a December day hotter than 40C was on December 30 in 1897 — exactly 122 years ago — when the temperature reached 40.6C.

Sisters Chloe, 9, and April King, 11, of Sandy Bay, cool off at Long Beach. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Mr Johnston said December’s average temperature was just 20.4C – half of what was recorded today.

He said heat had been building over mainland Australia over the past few days, with a northerly wind pushing hot air over Tasmania.

“All through spring it was drier than average on the mainland and they were putting it down to the positive Indian Ocean Dipole, which meant less rainfall over the mainland – and less rainfall would imply less cloud and therefore more sun reaching the ground,” he said.

“Luckily for us, when this happens in Tasmania, it only usually happens for a day or so.”

Mr Johnston said the hottest temperature recorded statewide was at the Friendly Beaches on the East Coast, which reached 41.9C.

Dry lightning and winds up to 45km/h catapulted Hobart’s fire risk to extreme, creating similar conditions to those endured in the devastating January 2013 Dunalley bushfires.

Mr Johnston said Hobart had been tracking below average for December rainfall.

As of this afternoon, he said the city had recorded only 12.6mm of rain compared to an average of 56.6mm.

Brothers Harry, 7, and Charlie Rose, 5, of Sandy Bay, cool off at Long Beach. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Meanwhile, extreme heat meant workers across Hobart were urged to take precautions and follow health and safety protocols.

Taste of Tasmania staff were instructed to evacuate before 5pm due to storms expected to batter Hobart’s waterfront.

EXTREME WEATHER KNOCKS OUT POWER

FALLS FANS COOL OFF AS TEMPERATURES SOAR

MUMS, BUBS SWELTER IN LGH MATERNITY WARD

Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath said staff health and wellbeing was a priority and instructed all staff to increase the frequency and length of their breaks, work in the shade where possible, increase fluid intake, and completely stop high-intensity or physical duties when temperatures reached 38C.

Temperatures are expected to drop “considerably” from tomorrow, with Hobart expected to reach a high of 23C.