In the weekend beach report Craig Holden says the news is good in terms of the weather, with plenty of sunshine, light winds and slightly cooler minimum temperatures expected.
Well, we have once again experienced plenty of mixed weather conditions this past week, with periods of sunshine and blue skies returning, but the showers and rain just kept on lingering!
But as we look ahead to today and the weekend, the news is much better in terms of the weather, with plenty of sunshine, light winds and slightly cooler minimum temperatures expected.
Today’s winds will be from the S/SE at around 15 knots, but will be more southerly early, before easing back through the afternoon to 10 to 15 knots.
Tomorrow will then bring S/SW winds at 10 to 15 knots in the early morning, before easing right back to only 5 to 10 knots from the S/SE during the day.
Sunday is then forecast to bring SW to W/NW winds at 5 to 10 knots only!
All-in-all, the weekend is looking sensational AND there should be plenty of blue skies and sunshine!
Swimming: choppy conditions expected at the beach this weekend
The swimming conditions have been quite mixed this week – just like the weather – with mostly choppy and messy conditions on the open and exposed beaches, but the early mornings did provide calmer conditions briefly.
But just like the weather, the swimming conditions will improve quickly through today and across the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday looking sensational for beach goers, particularly with those early morning offshore winds.
The best time for a swim over the coming days will certainly be in the early mornings while the tide is high and the winds offshore, or again around late afternoon, but looking at the forecast, it should not matter what time of day you head down there!
All beaches will be good for swimmers this weekend, but just be mindful of the water movement and currents expected during the outgoing stage of the tide (through the morning especially).
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: 9 am to 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water only
Surfing conditions to deteriorate
Well last weekend, and also this past week, have provided plenty more waves for local board-riders, with lots of great surfing conditions across a wide range of beaches!
But unlike the swimming conditions, the surfing conditions will deteriorate over the weekend – so get in today, and maybe also tomorrow morning, before it drops away significantly!
The early mornings will provide the cleanest conditions with the offshore winds, but the waves could also be a little full due to the high tide, so it may be worth waiting until around mid-morning, or again from mid to late afternoon.
Beaches such as Agnes Water, Mon Repos, Nielson Park and Moore Park Beach will again be the better options, but the wave heights will drop quickly so don’t leave it too late!
For the SUP and ocean ski paddlers, the weekend should provide plenty of clam and gentle paddling conditions for those that enjoy the serenity, but if you are looking for a slick south to north downwind paddle, you may want to do that today while there is still a bit of wind around!
Related news: Fishing report: offshore reefs on fire
