In this week's beach report Craig Holden says there is a chance of an east coast low forming off the coast over the coming days.
It has been another ordinary week of weather for the most part this week, with moderate onshore winds, and overcast and showery conditions being the norm for the most part.
Unfortunately, as we look ahead to today and into the weekend, the weather forecast is also not looking much better either, with rain periods, and possible thunderstorms predicted across all three days (although Sunday is looking less likely).
There is also the chance of an East Coast Low (ECL) forming off the coast over the coming days too, so if this happens, be prepared for the forecast to change quickly!
Today’s winds will be predominantly from the NE to E/NE at around 10 to 15 knots throughout the day, before we see a slight change in wind direction overnight to deliver E/SE winds tomorrow at 10 to 15 knots.
Sunday will then be quite similar, with S/SE to E/SE winds – and again at around 10 to 15 knots.
Swimming: Swimming conditions have been quite mixed during this past week – just like the weather, with sloppy and choppy conditions being the norm.
This probably will not improve too much over the coming days, particularly if the pending ECL develops off the coast, and the winds get stronger than forecast along with the wave heights, so just be mindful of the forecast when planning any beach trips.
For today, with the northerly winds, the best beaches for swimmers will be Elliott Heads and Kelly’s Beach, but for both Saturday and Sunday, the better beaches for swimmers will be Agnes Water, Hervey Bay, Moore Park Beach and Nielson Park.
The best time for a swim over the coming days will certainly be through the early mornings, or else again from about mid-afternoon onwards – but just be mindful that the ocean will certainly be a lot messier through the afternoons.
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 – 9 am to 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water only
Saturday – 9 am to 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach and Agnes Water; 1 pm to 5 pm at Elliott Heads and Moore Park Beach
Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach and Agnes Water
Surfing: This past week has thrown up plenty of waves about our local beaches, although the quality has not been great due to the moderate and variable winds, and the sloppy ocean conditions too.
From today onwards however, fingers are crossed that we should see an increase in wave heights – it will again be messy and sloppy due to the variable winds, but it does look like the size should be quite okay.
Today, consider Kelly’s Beach and Elliott Heads as being worth a sneaky look, but then across the weekend as the winds shift more E/SE, beaches such as Agnes Water, Nielson Park, Mon Repos and Moore Park Beach will all be worth checking out! Good luck!
For the SUP and ocean ski paddlers, the ocean is likely to be quite sloppy and messy this weekend, so finding an opportunity for a calm and relaxing paddle may be hard – unless of course you hit the rivers and creeks.
But if you are looking for a few waves, there should be plenty about (albeit it a little messy) over the coming days, and possibly enough wind as well over the weekend for a downwind paddle too.
Events: Nil.
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