Well, it has been a pretty good week of weather across the region this past week with very warm, but sunny days!
And in good news for beachgoers, the sunny days and warm temperatures will continue over the coming days, although the wind will become a little breezy through the late afternoons.
This morning’s winds will be from the E/SE at around 10 knots before they increase slightly to 10 to 15 knots during the morning, but then increase to 15 to 20 knots by late this afternoon.
Tomorrow will then be very similar, with 10 to 15 knots of E/SE winds through the morning that will then increase to 15+ knots by mid to late afternoon.
Sunday will then see slightly lighter winds, with around 10 knots of E/SE winds in the morning that will then swing more from the E/NE through the afternoon and increase to 10 to 15 knots in strength.
Swimming: The swimming conditions have also been reasonably good this past week, particularly through the mornings while the tide has been high and the winds very light.
Looking ahead to the coming days and the forecast is certainly indicating that the best time to hit the beach for a swim will be any time from early morning through until about mid to late morning – this is when the winds will be lighter, when the tide will be higher and when the ocean conditions at their best.
Once the winds increase through the afternoon, the ocean will get quite choppy and messy, especially on those more open and exposed beaches.
Most beaches should be pretty good for swimmers through the early mornings, however through this afternoon and again tomorrow afternoon, beaches such as Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Nielson Park and Moore Park Beach will be better options as the wind increases.
Although, by Sunday afternoon, Elliott Heads and Kelly’s Beach could well be the better options if the winds do turn northerly.
Please check with the lifesavers or 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: Weekdays – 9am to 5pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach and Agnes Water, plus a roving lifeguard across the Bundaberg Region (Please note – some beaches and services may have longer hours of patrol).
Saturday and Sunday – 8am to 6pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach and Agnes Water, plus a roving lifeguard across the Bundaberg Region; Also early morning RWC surveillance patrols commence from 6am around the Bargara and Mon Repos areas.
Surfing: There has not been a lot happening with regards to quality surf conditions across our local beaches this week, but there were certainly plenty of fun-sized waves about early in the week, as well as some cleaner but smaller waves for the past few mornings.
Over the coming days, we should continue to see more of the same, with clean, small waves through the mornings – and possibly even a small increase tomorrow – with messier conditions expected through the afternoons.
Best options will be to check out locations such as Agnes Water, Nielson Park, Mon Repos or even Moore Park Beach. Good Luck!
For the SUP and ocean-ski paddlers looking for a more relaxed float, you will hopefully find calmer ocean conditions through the early mornings over the coming days, but the earlier, the better.
For those looking for a downwind paddle, late this afternoon and again tomorrow afternoon should give you enough wind for a south to north run.
Events: Christmas raffles tonight at the Bundaberg SLSC Clubhouse from 6pm. Then on Sunday, there will be ham wheels and Christmas Raffles at the Elliott Heads SLSC Clubhouse from 2pm.
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 report: More warm and steamy weather before cool change
