Hobart reaches top of 34C on Monday

With a high of 34C, Hobart was hotter than Brisbane and Perth on Monday.

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A WARM summer day meant smooth sailing for skipper Ian Johnston as he and his crew embarked on a week-long journey.

The Zephyr left Sandy Bay on Monday morning to take in the sights as it makes its way to Port Dalrymple to take part in the Launceston to Hobart Yacht Race.

He said so far it had been an absolutely glorious day.

“We’re heading down towards Iron Port, and we’ll go down to Port Arthur tonight,” he said.

“It gets fairly windy around Tasman Island.”

Zephyr Insurance Masters skipper Ian Johnston with crew Diana Reale, Karl van Drunen and Craig Squires, prepares to leave the Derwent Sailing Squadron for the start of the Launceston to Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd.

During their trip they also planned to explore the East Coast and Deal Island as they ventured north.

“We’ve heard Deal Island is a bit of a tourist attraction so we thought we’d check it out,” he said.

“If we were delivering straight through to Dalrymple it would take about two days, but we wanted to spend a few days taking in the sights.

“The cruise up is always great.

“We can just play the weather and enjoy it.

“I must say the boat is pretty laden with wine at the moment.”

The Launceston to Hobart is set to start on December 27.

The 285 nautical mile race sees boats sail out of the Tamar River, through Banks Strait, south down the East Coast, through Mercury Passage, across Storm Bay and into the River Derwent.

The race usually finishes around the same time as the Sydney to Hobart.

Johnston said it was always an interesting race.

“I hope everyone stays safe and that it’s a good and fair race for everyone,” he said.

Though the weather is set to cool down from Wednesday, Johnston said it wasn’t anything they couldn’t handle.

With a high of 34C, Hobart was hotter than Brisbane, Sydney and Perth on Monday.

The warm weather will continue in Hobart on Tuesday with 27C, but for the rest of the week the capital will see temperatures between 17C and 19C and showers.

A marine wind warning was put in place on Monday for the upper, lower and south East Coast for strong wind, with Frederick Bay, Norfolk Bay and Storm Bay added to the list from Tuesday.

EARLIER:

HOBART is in for a scorching start to the week with the mercury set to rise above 30 degrees.

The Bureau of Meteorology predicts a maximum temperature of 31 degrees for Hobart on Monday, while parts of the Derwent Valley, Central Highlands and Southern Midlands could reach 34 degrees.

Charlie Rockefeller, Ruben Hoey, Kenita Aitken, Bessie Harman and Libby Watts enjoy a dip at the pontoon on Long Beach, Sandy Bay. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Tuesday is also expected to be a warm day with a maximum of 27 degrees.

Conditions are set to cool down from Wednesday, with a maximum of 18 degrees and a possible shower.

The cooler conditions are expected to continue into the weekend.

Libby Watts, Jasmine Muir, Bessie Harman and Kenita Aitken, enjoy a dip at Long Beach, Sandy Bay. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Tasmania is now subject to a statewide fire permit period, however campfires and barbecues do not require a permit.