Australia Weather News

Rain relief arrives in Launceston as downpours are predicted across the state. - ABC

Heavy rains across Tasmania could bring relief for the state's farmers and severely depleted hydroelectric dams.

Tasmania will be lashed by rain and thunderstorms throughout the day, beginning in the north and west and extending to the south in the afternoon.

The Bureau of Meteorology's Michael Laczko said there were promising signs of significant downpours statewide.

"Sweeping rain, and maybe a storm or two across the state," he said.

"In the next seven days on our forecast we're looking at quite a wet and windy period which is a good sign," he said.

He said between 20 and 40 millimetres of rain was expected to fall in the north, although totals could be higher in elevated areas like Cradle Mountain.

That could be good news for the state's energy crisis with hydro dams having dipped to a record low of 13.6 per cent last month.

The bureau has issued a number of warnings, including thunderstorms about the western and north-west coasts and a flood watch for all northern river basins and the Huon catchment.

"The catchments are generally fairly dry but with lots of rains in a short time there is a slight chance we might see a bit of flash flooding or run-off despite our low catchment level."

A road warning has been issued for Sunday given the reduced visibility in heavy rain.

"That rain is likely to be fairly heavy in parts and at times, in those heavy rains visibility is going to be reduced on the roads, hence we've issued the road weather alert to watch for those reduced visibility conditions," Mr Laczko said.

Tasmania has been experiencing an exceptionally dry period, with last spring the driest on record and the west coast having its lowest-ever rainfalls in the last nine months.

Rain earlier in the week created tough conditions for drivers, with police reminding motorists to take care.

Strong and gusty winds are also expected in the afternoon.

ABC