Marine alert for Easter revellers

TASMANIANS are being warned to be careful on the water over the Easter break with forecasts indicating good boating weather.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Anna Forrest said people who planned to be out on the water could be among the most impacted over the holiday weekend by winds, linked to a low pressure system on Friday, followed by a front expected to cross the state on Sunday.

A high pressure system is forecast to intervene around Saturday bringing drier, slightly calmer conditions to most areas.

Tasmania Police also issued a plea to boat owners to check forecasts and to ensure that boats and safety equipment were in good working order.

Marine police will patrol the waters and boat ramps around Tasmania’s popular boating areas during the Easter Holiday period to check safety compliance.

“Make sure you check weather conditions prior to planning a day on the water, always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return and remember alcohol and boating don’t mix,” said Acting Inspector William Grierson of Tasmania Police Marine Division.

The Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range forecast suggests there are likely to be windy and showery periods especially during Friday and Sunday.

West to north-westerly winds of 20 to 30km/h are forecast for Friday and they will tend north to northwesterly 20 to 25km/h later in the day. On Sunday, boaters can expect north to northwesterly winds 15 to 25km/h turning westerly during the morning and strongest off the south coast. On Saturday, 15 to 20km/h winds have been forecast.

“On Saturday showers should be confined to western and southern areas, and possibly the north coast … and then extend statewide again throughout Sunday,” Ms Forrest said.

She said maximum temperatures would be in the low 20s.

The Climate Council yesterday confirmed Tasmania experienced its hottest November to January on record.