After a couple of warmer days earlier this week winter arrived with a vengeance on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning, with those earlier risers certainly needing a few extra layers of clothing yesterday.
It does look like chilly mornings are with us for at least the next two or three days too, but in good news – it won’t be as cold as yesterday morning was.
The forecast is still for single figure minimums, although we can expect plenty of sunshine and blue skies to ensure those daytime maximums reach a more pleasant 23 to 24 degrees across the weekend.
The winds are also looking favourable for beach goers over the coming days with only light winds forecast from today until Sunday.
This morning’s winds will be from the W/SW at 5 to 10 knots before they gradually swing from the S/SW to N/NW during the afternoon.
Both tomorrow and Sunday will then bring almost identical forecasts, with S/SW winds in the morning at around 10 knots before they then swing from the S/SE to E/SE during the afternoon at a similar strength.
Weekend weather to bring flat conditions for swimmers
After a messy and choppy start to Wednesday, once that cold W/SW wind change arrived during the day, the ocean quickly returned to being calm, flat and gentle, and this is how it has been since – providing great swimming conditions for those prepared to brave the cooler air temperatures.
Looking ahead to today and the weekend, we can safely say that we are set for more of the same in terms of swimming conditions – calm, gentle and almost flat conditions in the ocean, and particularly so through the mornings before we maybe see just some slight chop on the ocean surface through the afternoons.
All beaches will provide good swimming conditions over the coming days with the best time being anytime from early morning through until late morning/midday.
Please check with the Lifeguard on duty, read any safety signage or messages, and most importantly please swim only at patrolled beaches, only between the red and yellow flags, and only during patrol times – remember, if we can’t see you, we can’t save you.
Beach patrols: Today and weekdays – Nil
Saturday and Sunday – 9am to 5pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water only
Surfing: Whilst Wednesday threw up a bit of a surprise for local board-riders, with plenty of small but super-fun and clean waves about for those that were lucky enough to find them, unfortunately the ocean returned very quickly to a very flat and calm state from yesterday.
Looking ahead to the weekend and there is not much more joy to report either for those looking for waves this weekend. The forecast is for more calm, flat and gentle conditions for at least the next two to three days.
As per usual, keep an eye on conditions in the hope for a pleasant surprise, perhaps through the early mornings, but realistically I cannot see too much happening in terms of waves this weekend.
For the SUP and ocean ski/kayak paddlers, if you are keen for a gentle ocean paddle, there will be plenty of calm and gentle ocean conditions on offer from today and through until at least Sunday, and particularly so through the mornings, when the winds will also be offshore.
Events: Nil.
Important note: Remember there are updated COVID-19 restrictions, if you are at the beach, please maintain the social/physical distancing minimum guidelines and abide by the current group gathering guidelines as well.
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