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Forties begin to roar over Tasmania

Tom Saunders, Friday May 2, 2008 - 17:15 EST

Strong westerly winds and showers are set to continue across Tasmania during the next week, a classic indication winter is only a few weeks away.

The highest fall to 9am Friday was 28mm at Marrawah in the northwest, their heaviest rain in three months. Following closely was 24mm at Luncheon Hill, their heaviest fall in five months.

The prevailing westerlies known as the ‘roaring forties’ are a common feature across Tasmania during the cooler months. The westerlies pick up moisture as they travel uninhibitedly over the Southern Ocean and are responsible for the substantial 2000mm plus yearly rainfall in the states west. The westerlies dry-out over the Central Plateau, dropping annual rain to just 600mm on Tasmania’s east coast.

Over the next week the showers will be heaviest and most widespread near the passage of frontal systems embedded in the westerly flow on Sunday and Tuesday.

- Weatherzone

© Weatherzone 2008