Well, as we approach the end of the school holidays (that’s right – back to school on Monday), and after a pretty spectacular week of beach weather and surf conditions, it appears as though today may be a little windy and even showery before the weekend turns on some magic weather.
Today is expected to bring gusty N/NE to N/NW winds at 15 to 20 knots this morning, before they ease back to around 10 to 15 knots by mid to late afternoon.
The forecast today is also for overcast skies and the chance of showers, so keep an eye on the sky if planning a trip to the beach.
However, the weekend is looking much better, with a cooler change overnight tonight along with offshore winds and plenty of sunshine and blue skies.
Tomorrow will bring us W/SW winds early at around 10 to 15 knots before they increase to 15 to 20 knots from the SW during the day.
Sunday is similar, but with S/SW to S/SE winds forecast at around 10 to 15 knots.
Those minimum temperatures should also start to drop tomorrow as well, with Sunday morning looking a little chilly early.
Swimming: It has been a super week of weather this past week with ideal swimming conditions almost all week, but this is expected to change briefly (today only) before we get more good conditions across the weekend.
Today’s gusty NE winds are expected to provide choppy and slightly messy conditions on those beaches that face in a more northerly direction, so if planning a swim today, I would strongly suggest heading to locations such as Kelly’s Beach or Elliott Heads, which will give you some protection from the winds and calmer ocean conditions.
However, by tomorrow and across the weekend, we will see offshore winds return and this will bring calm and gentle ocean conditions across all beaches for almost the entire weekend (although Sunday afternoon may bring a little chop as the winds turn onshore again).
The best time for a swim will be from early morning through until maybe mid to late morning over the coming days, as this is when the tide will be high.
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: The past week or even more, has produced no shortage of waves for local board-riders, with almost every beach throwing up super-clean and fun-sized waves for those that have been able to enjoy them.
But unfortunately, it looks like we are going to see a significant drop in wave heights across the weekend.
Today should still bring more fun-sized waves, but the gusty northerly winds are going to ruin the wave quality across most of the more popular surfing beaches.
For today, it may even be worth checking out Kelly’s Beach and Elliott Heads due to the wind conditions.
However, tomorrow morning should see the other favoured locations such as Agnes Water, Nielson Park, Mon Repos and Moore Park Beach throw up some clean, small residual swell to enjoy before those wave heights drop quickly across the remainder of the weekend. Try the early mornings for better results.
For the SUP and ocean ski/kayak paddlers, today will not be too pleasant out on the ocean unless you are keen for a north to south downwind paddle.
However, across the weekend, you will be able to find plenty of calm and gentle ocean conditions to enjoy if you are keen for a more leisurely and social paddle.
Events: The Australian Lifeguard Service – Queensland is conducting annual fitness tests, and award renewals and proficiencies, for their local lifeguards tomorrow at Kelly’s Beach, so if you see them in action, don’t be afraid to say hello.
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.
- Last week's beach report: Wet weather forecast for the weekend
