Hobart tipped to hit hottest December day in 122 years

Monday is predicted to be Hobart’s hottest December day on record since 1897, and its hottest day of any month since the devastating 2013 Dunalley bushfires.

HOBART is expected to swelter through its hottest December day on record since 1897, with today tipped to reach a rarely-seen 40C.

Today’s weather is forecast to be “one of only a handful of days” in Hobart’s history — and its hottest day on record since the January 2013 Dunalley bushfires — to reach such extreme heat.

HOT to VERY HOT across #Tas today (although a little milder about the NW and N coast). THUNDERSTORMS expected this afternoon and evening, possibly with gusty winds. VERY HIGH to EXTREME FIRE DANGER across most districts today. For all the details: https://t.co/89tUjpsH2x pic.twitter.com/8ttAeAp8Um

— Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania (@BOM_Tas) 29 December 2019

Bureau of Meteorology duty forecaster Matthew Thomas said the last time Hobart recorded a December day hotter than 40C was in 1897 — 122 years ago — when temperatures tipped the mercury at 40.6C.

He said Hobart, the upper Derwent Valley, the southern midlands and the southern east coast would be the hottest areas, due to a high pressure system dragging hot air from the mainland to Tasmania’s south.

Hobart is also predicted to experience gusty winds and dry air today — enhancing its fire risk — before thunderstorms are expected to drench the city in the evening.

FIRE DANGER PUSHED TO ‘EXTREME’

Launceston, Devonport and Burnie are expected to enjoy a considerably cooler day on Monday with temperatures in the high 20s to low 30s.

After Monday, Hobart’s weather is predicted to calm down, with a maximum of 22°C forecast for Tuesday and 24°C for Wednesday, before picking up with temperatures in the low 30s on Saturday.

Tasmania’s Department of Health recommends drinking plenty of water on extreme-weather days, staying out of the sun as much as possible, wearing lightweight clothing, and checking on relatives and friends at risk, such as the elderly.

The department also suggests residents prepare their homes with a fan or air conditioner, draw their blinds and curtains to keep the heat out, ensure pets are kept out of the sun with plenty of water, and call triple-0 in an emergency.

Sun protection is recommended throughout this week, with the UV index predicted to hit extreme levels on Monday and Tuesday.