Weekend gets off to f-f-frosty start

A FROST warning has been issued for this morning in parts of the state, with subzero temperatures, rain and wind to blast many areas over the weekend.

The Bureau of Meteorology says frosts with temperatures down to zero are forecast for parts of the North-West Coast, central north, northeast, midlands and east coast districts.

“A west to south-westerly stream over Tasmania will ease during the day, as a high builds over The Bight and a low deepens off the New South Wales coast,” the forecast says.

“The high will extend a ridge to the south of Tasmania during Saturday, as the low to the northeast directs a south to south-easterly flow over the state. The ridge builds just to the south of Tasmania during Sunday, with the high centre to move over the state on Monday.”

Yesterday’s 3.8C morning did little to deter surfers at Seven Mile Beach and The Wedge, with good swells proving perfect conditions for the dozens who braved the cold, like surfers Finn Lord, of Dodges Ferry, and Sam Howcroft, of Mount Nelson.

Monday looks likely to be the coldest day across the state, with Ben Lomond expected to dip to -2C, Launceston 5C and Hobart a low of 6C.

A strong wind warning is current for the Banks Strait and Franklin Sound, east of Flinders Island, upper east coast and lower east coast.

Sky News chief meteorologist Tom Saunders said a Tasman low sitting off the northern Tasmanian and Victorian coasts would affect the southern part of the country.