Heatwave conditions in the Valley

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TEMPERATURES in the Derwent Valley are tipped to nudge 40 degrees Celsius as a heatwave passes across southeastern Australia over the Australia Day long weekend.

Top temperatures of 31, 34 and 39 degrees are predicted for New Norfolk on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively. Severe to extreme heatwave conditions are forecast for all of Tasmania due to high humidity, and very high daytime and overnight temperatures.

The Bureau of Meteorology says a high pressure system over the Tasman Sea, coupled with sea surface temperatures well above normal, will bring increasingly warmer and more humid nights, with minimum temperatures continuing to be well above normal for January.

Northwesterly winds aloft are bringing air from Central Australia. This continuing warming will see inland maximum temperatures climb into the high 30s this weekend. Specific forecasts can be found at www.bom.gov.au/tas/forecasts/

A cold front is expected during Monday, with temperatures dropping to the low 20s in the south and west on Monday after a warm, wet and humid Sunday night. Relief is not expected elsewhere until Monday night.

High to Very High Fire Dangers are expected this weekend, with a Total Fire Ban on Sunday. The UV index is expected to remain Extreme over Tasmania throughout the forecast period.

For information on how to stay safe during a heatwave, visit www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/publichealth/healthy_communities/extreme_heat

The RSPCA advises pet owners to visit http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-can-I-do-in-hot-
weather-to-prevent-heatstroke-in-my-pet_353.html

Bureau of Meteorology forecasts for the Derwent Valley:
New Norfolk
Ouse
Maydena
Mt Field
Strathgordon