Total fire ban for southern Tasmania

A total fire ban has been declared in southern Tasmania with temperatures forecast to soar up to 37C in parts of the state.

The Tasmania Fire Service has reminded the community that "significant monetary and custodial penalties" apply for breaching the ban, which means no fire can be lit in the open for any reason on Wednesday.

Dry conditions mixed with high forecast temperatures in and around Hobart have sparked the ban, which comes into effect at midnight.