In this week's beach report Craig Holden says the same bleak and gloomy conditions will continue across the weekend.
WEATHER
The forecast is saying we are due to get some, with today forecast to bring the heaviest rain, and then showers still expected across the weekend – but with less rainfall.
So basically, keep an eye on the sky before planning any outdoor activities!
Aside from the rain, temperatures will remain quite mild, with minimums not really expected to dip under 20 degrees, but the winds will remain onshore, and at a moderate to strong intensity for at least the next 2 days.
Today’s winds will be from the E/NE this morning at around 15 to 20 knots before increasing to around 20 knots from the E/SE by this afternoon.
Tomorrow will then bring a continuation of E/SE at around 20 knots, before we see a slight decrease in wind strength on Sunday with winds from the E/SE at around 15 knots.
SWIMMING
Well, this past week has not delivered much joy for swimmers in the local region, with the ocean conditions deteriorating each day – and from Wednesday onwards, those open beaches have been very messy and rough, with strong currents and rips about.
There will not be too much more joy through today and across the weekend either, with messy and rough conditions expected to remain at least until Sunday, unless the weather forecast changes substantially.
The open and exposed beaches will experience the worst of the swimming conditions too, with strong side currents and rips expected to remain, so if you are thinking about a swim, the protected locations will be your only option, but even these locations will have lots of water movement, so please be cautious over the coming days!
The early mornings could well be the better time to hit the water, if at all, while the tide is high and the winds slightly lighter.
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 & WEEKDAYS – NIL
SATURDAY & SUNDAY – 9 am to 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water only
SURFING
The wave heights have been steadily increasing day-by-day this week, with plenty of size around for the last day or two, but unfortunately those onshore winds have ensured the ocean has been very messy, and almost like a washing machine, which has meant that it has been hard to find quality waves to ride.
The wave heights should remain quite solid over the coming days too, with even a slight increase into tomorrow as well, but with onshore winds forecast to remain, the wave quality will continue to be a little ordinary until the winds ease (which may not be until Monday or Tuesday).
As per usual, Agnes Water will be the best option across the weekend, but don’t be afraid to have a look at Kelly’s Beach this morning if the winds are more from the NE.
Outside of that, Nielson Park, Mon Repos and Moore Park Beach will all be worth checking out over the weekend too.
Good Luck!
For the SUP and Ocean Ski Paddlers, unless you are very experienced, it would be wise to avoid the ocean over the coming days, with the protected rivers, creeks and waterways being the best options.
For those with more experience, there should be plenty of waves about for a SUP surf, but a slick downwind run may not be on offer due to the conflicting wave and wind directions – but you never know.
Other stories: Local musician receives grant support to further career
