Weather News

Wintry blast heading for TAS

Drew Casper-Richardson, Sunday July 10, 2016 - 11:31 AEST

The strongest cold front of the year is barrelling its way toward Tasmania with damaging winds, heavy rain and low level snow on the cards.

Having already rolled through southern parts of Western Australia, a deep low pressure system and a vigorous cold front will make their presence known throughout much of the nations south and east in the coming days. Those in the Apple Isle will not escape the wild weather.

On Sunday much of the state will enjoy warmer than average conditions however it won't last long. Cloud and rain will move in from the north and west as the day progresses and winds will increase throughout the state. Rain will be heaviest in the northwest where totals of 10-20mm are expected. Northerly winds will build through Sunday, reaching 50-60km/h about exposed parts during the afternoon.

Conditions will deteriorate significantly on Monday as the cold front edges closer. Once again rain will be heaviest in the northwest where widespread falls of 20-40mm are forecast with isolated falls of 100mm possible. Northwest winds will peak during the afternoon with coastal parts in the west and elevated areas likely to have gusts in excess of 100km/h.

Tuesday will be the wildest day for the state as the cold front roars through during the afternoon and evening. Rain will continue with a further 20-40mm expected in the west and north whilst less than 5mm is expected around the southeast, including Hobart. Wind gusts are likely to exceed 100km/h once again but will be more widespread and more frequent. Hobart will be spared the worst of the wind but could still see gusts of 70-80km/h. The bitter southwesterly winds will bring significant wind chill, making it feel much colder than the mercury suggests.

The front will bring an exceptionally cold airmass over Tasmania which will turn rain to snow during Tuesday. Come late Tuesday evening and into the small hours of Wednesday morning, when the airmass is at its coldest, snow could fall right down to sea level.

Wednesday will be bitterly cold with strong southwest winds continuing to buffer the state. Once again these winds will bring significant wind chill. Hobart is forecast to reach just eight degrees with wind gusts reaching 60-70km/h an hour at times.

Thursday will see a slight easing, but strong winds will continue and 20-40mm of rain is expected for those in the southwest. Thankfully conditions will continue to ease on Friday and over the weekend.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2016

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