A north-easterly flow being dominated by a ridge of high pressure has seen Launcestonians retreat to their summer clothes, with many flocking to the beach over the long weekend. 

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Tristan Oakley said a cold front would move across the state on Thursday, bringing some relief. 

Temperatures in the low 20s were predicted for Friday and Saturday, but the cooler weather won’t last long.

Parts of the state were expected to reach 30 degrees on Sunday, with Launceston predicted to reach 28 degrees. 

Mr Oakley said Tasmania has seen fewer cold fronts than in February due to a combination of settled weather and high pressure systems. 

To date, there has been 65.2mm of rainfall this year, which is more than 120mm less than the same period in 2016. 

There has been 3.4mm of rainfall in March.