Ian and Chris Cox, of Old Beach, enjoy a cuppa in the sun at Bridport.
A HIGH pressure system sitting off the East Coast will keep Launceston's mercury level hovering around 30 degrees until mid next week _ potentially putting the state on severe fire alert.
The Bureau of Meteorology said yesterday that warm to hot northerly winds would be directed over the state tomorrow and Monday.
The temperature in Launceston reached 28.4 degrees yesterday and is expected to stay between 29 and 30 degrees until Wednesday when showers bring some cool relief.
Tasmania Fire Service chief officer Mike Brown said all Tasmanians needed to remain vigilant as the fire season was far from over.
``We have had very little rain and fires are starting very easily; in fact we are getting pretty severe fire behaviour even on mild days at the moment because of the dryness of the landscape,'' Mr Brown said.
``We are still likely to have high ratings [today], but from Sunday onwards into very highs or possibly even higher for the next couple of days.
``There is no indication to stronger winds and winds are always the biggest influence on fire behaviour. However, there is a likelihood of stronger winds and with hot weather on Monday.''
