Bushfire warning: Tasmania faces dangerous conditions despite morning cloud and rain
Updated
Tasmanians are being warned to remain prepared and on alert during today's regional fire total fire bans, despite overcast conditions across the state this morning.
The Tasmania Fire Service (TFS) warned dangerous bushfire conditions are upon the state, and Tasmanians should not be deceived by widespread cloud mixed with some rain and drizzle.
Total fire bans are in place for the state's northern and southern regions, as well as for King Island.
The weather bureau's Anna Forrest said there was a lot of cloud despite the fact it was going to reach the high 20s early on Saturday and into the 30s for most of the state later in the afternoon.
"There's a chance we might see some thunderstorms later this afternoon as well, but not a lot of precipitation," she said.
"You might actually see the rain falling out of the cloud, but not actually feel it on the surface.
"This is called virga, and we are likely to see a bit of that across the state, particularly this morning and less likely this afternoon.
"There will be thunderstorms most likely in the southern half of the state, and you could get some gusty winds with them."
Tasmania Police is also keeping watch on known firebugs across the state, and have urged people to alert them to any dodgy activity.
The bureau has warned a hot northerly flow will develop across the state with a trough crossing in the afternoon, followed by a cold front late on Saturday night.
TFS has 230 brigades and extra fire-fighting aircraft on standby and has urged everyone to be prepared for the conditions and know their bushfire plans, including places of safety and evacuation routes.
TFS state operations manager Greg Butters said people needed to know what to do should the worst happen.
"This rain won't do much to help us with the hot, dry and windy weather this afternoon, as that will soon dry off, and we will be in the very high and severe fire danger ratings," he said.
"It's really important people have a plan, and if it's an emergency warning it's too late to leave, we would expect people to be aware of their surroundings and be vigilant."
The weekend bushfire warnings and bans come near the anniversary of the Dunalley Bushfires in 2013.
In early January 2013 during a heatwave across Australia, a large bushfire broke out at near Dunalley, east of Hobart.
On January 5, a massive inferno destroyed 65 properties at Dunalley, including a police station, primary school and bakery. No-one was killed.
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