‘Middle of the road’ Christmas Day weather expected for Tasmania, warm and cloudy conditions

Tasmanians will be celebrating Christmas Day festivities in warmer than average temperatures. But don’t put away your brolly just yet. Here’s what you can expect for the festive week of weather.

Views of the Hobart waterfront from the River Derwent, properties and homes in Battery Point

It will be typical Christmas Day weather for Tasmanians to enjoy the festive occasion, with warmer temperatures and cloudy skies forecasted across the state.

The Bureau of Meteorology is expecting slightly above average weather conditions on Christmas Day, with parts of the state expected to enjoy temperatures in the low-20s.

“Monday will be a pretty settled day – not too sunny, very middle of the road,” senior meteorologist Michael Conway said.

“It’s going be partly cloudy and a bit warmer than average – 2C to 4C warmer than average -for most of the state except the East which will be more like average conditions.

“During the day the easterly winds will increase a little bit but they won’t be strong, just light to moderate.”

Generally, anything is possible when it comes to the weather in #Tasmania, but Christmas Day in #Hobart will not be the hottest, coldest, or wettest Christmas Day on record. It's actually looking pretty average, with a forecast top temperature of 21 °C and a possible shower. pic.twitter.com/c4GXSS4cGm

— Bureau of Meteorology, Tasmania (@BOM_Tas) December 21, 2023

There is a chance of showers about the Bass Strait Islands.

While Victoria and other parts of the country are expected to have thunderstorms on Christmas Day, Mr Conway said it won’t get too close to Tasmania.

But Tasmanians shouldn't put away their brolly just yet.

“It may increase the showers a little bit on the very fringes about the far North East later on Tuesday and into Wednesday. We’re looking at showers there for the far north part of the East Coast and up around Flinders Island,” he said.

Meteorologist from the Bureau of Meteorology, Michael Conway talks to media about the weather event on Saturday evening. Picture: Linda Higginson

“Then on Thursday we get showers coming into the West, mainly because we have westerly winds and that will continue on.”

So far, the New Year’s Eve forecast is looking settled across the state. But Mr Conway said at this point it can still change.

“It’s looking like it could be fairly clear skies and light winds and not much rain,” he said. “Fingers crossed it wont change between now and then.”

Santa with produce ready for the Christmas Eve edition of Salamanca Market. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmania forecast

Hobart

Hobart will be partly cloudy and a top of 21C on Christmas Day, before warming up to 23C on Boxing Day. Wednesday will be cloudy and a top of 24C with a shower or two and top of 22C on Thursday.

Launceston

Christmas Day in Launceston will be a balmy 25C, with Boxing Day forecasted to be partly cloudy and a top of 27C. Wednesday will be 27C and cloudy with a possible shower setting in on Thursday.

Strahan

In the states West, Strahan will be mostly clear skies and sunny over Christmas and Boxing Day with a top of 23C. Partly cloudy and maximum of 23C is expected on Wednesday, before a shower or two sets in for the rest of the week.

Swansea

In the states East, Swansea will be partly cloudy and a top of 21C on Christmas and Boxing Day. There will be a shower or two and top of 24C on Wednesday and Thursday.