A wintry blast will bring rain, hail, blustery winds and low level snow to Tasmania on Thursday. A strong cold front will cause a band of showers to spread across the state from west to east during the day. Behind the front, cold and brisk southwesterly winds will drop temperatures and maintain showers in southern, western and central areas into the evening. Air behind the front will be cold enough for snow to fall down to 200-300 metres above sea level tomorrow afternoon and evening. As a result, a road weather alert has been issued for dangerous driving conditions due to snow covered roads in parts of all western, central and southern districts. This wintry air mass may also cause small hail and the odd thunderstorm in some parts of the state tomorrow. While it will be cold enough for snow on elevated terrain near Hobart, Mount Wellington is likely to shield the city from most of the moisture behind the front, limiting the potential for snowfall. It will remain cold in Tasmania on Friday, although lighter winds and drier conditions will return to the state under a high pressure ridge.