According to the Bureau of Meteorology, temperatures were well above the average for October both day and night, with Launceston having its highest mean temperature on record at 14.1 degrees.

These high temperatures mean that this has been the second-warmest October in the past 108 years. 

The highest temperature in the Northern Tasmania was recorded at Ti Tree Bend, where the temperature reached 28.7 degrees on October 18. 

This temperature spike was due to a high pressure system over the Tasman Sea, combined with a front approaching from the west.

This system is what brought about the warmest weather of the month in many areas in the state.

Rainfall was below average in most parts of the state, especially in the South and East where rainfall was well below average.

Tasmania as a whole received less than half the amount of rain it did in 2016, but over four times the total of the record dry October of 2015.

The hottest day of the month was recorded at Campania on October 18, at a sweltering 32.6 degrees.

The coldest day of the month was at Mount Read on October 20 at a chilly 3.0 degrees.

Mount Read also received the most amount of rain in October, with 404.4mm recorded over the course of the month. 

On the other hand, Bicheno had the lowest October rainfall for the past 20 years, with only 18.2mm.

The strongest wind was recorded at Maatsuyker Island Lighthouse on October 12 at 130km/h.

Warm temperatures are likely to continue across the state from November to January in days and nights. In November, the daytime averages are set to be warmer than average across the country. 

Australia has one of the highest levels of UV radiation in the world, so while it’s not summer yet, it is still important to use UV protection when the index is three and above.