Well, we have seen some absolutely mind-blowing and glorious conditions during this past week, with glassed out ocean conditions and stunning sunrises, but some rather frosty minimum temperatures as well – it certainly has been winter in Queensland at its absolute best!
But as per usual, all good things must come to an end, but it will not be for long!
This afternoon and again tomorrow we will be greeted by quite warm and very windy conditions before another cooler offshore wind change arrives overnight Saturday night bringing better beach conditions for Sunday.
This morning’s winds will be from the W/NW at only 5 to 10 knots before they increase to 15 to 20 knots from the N/NE by this afternoon.
Windy conditions will continue into tomorrow with 15 to 20 knots of N/NW winds forecast (gusting to 20 to 25 knots) along with very warm temperatures for Winter (18 to 27 degrees).
An overnight wind change will then bring cooler W/SW winds for Sunday mornings at around 10 knots before they increase slightly to 10 to 15 knots by Sunday afternoon.
Single figure minimum temperatures are then likely to return for Monday and Tuesday.
Swimming: The swimming conditions across all local beaches have been just sensational during this past week, with pretty much glassed out conditions being the norm.
But unfortunately, conditions are going to change quickly through today and stay for tomorrow, before they improve markedly by Sunday.
Gusty W/NW to N/NE winds will arrive today and possibly get even stronger tomorrow, bringing with them quite choppy and messy ocean conditions across most (but not all) beaches – this will particularly so on those beaches that face in a more northerly direction – along with a strong side sweep pushing from right to left as well.
With this in mind, the best beaches for swimmers through today and again tomorrow will certainly be Elliott Heads and Kelly’s Beach.
However, by Sunday, a change in wind direction to bring W/SW winds will provide a return to mostly calm and smooth ocean conditions and much better swimming conditions for beachgoers, with all beaches being good for swimmers by then.
The mornings – any time from early to mid-morning – will provide the best swimming conditions this weekend, so make sure you get up and moving early.
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 surf has been almost non-existent during this past week with flat and glassy conditions being the norm each and every day!
But there is a small glimmer of hope for finding at least something in terms of waves to enjoy this weekend – they won’t be the best quality but hopefully enough to satisfy a wave craving.
With the northerly winds expected to dominate through this afternoon and all day tomorrow, it will be worth having a look at locations such as Kelly’s Beach and Elliott Heads through tomorrow morning.
Then, once the offshore wind change arrives by Sunday morning, there may well also be a few cleaner but smaller waves on offer early on Sunday morning at the usual favoured surfing locations as well. Good luck.
For the SUP and ocean ski/kayak paddlers, this afternoon and again through the entire day tomorrow, you should find some pretty awesome downwind paddling conditions (north to south) for those more experienced paddlers, whilst by Sunday morning, there should be plenty of calmer and more gentle conditions to enjoy – and maybe even a small, clean wave.
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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