Well, it has been another mixed week of weather just passed, with plenty of sunny skies, light winds, and cool temperatures to start the week, but the temperatures did become quite mild from about Wednesday onwards – particular the daytime temperatures, which have been even a little warm.
Unfortunately though, the winds turned onshore and became quite moderate from Wednesday afternoon onwards and are forecast to remain this way over the coming days as well.
In good news the temperatures will remain quite mild with minimums climbing back to double figures and in that range from about 12 to 14 degrees, which is very pleasant for winter!
Today’s winds will be from the S/SE early at only around 10 knots, but they will turn from the E/SE during the day and increase to around 15 knots.
Tomorrow is probably looking the best in terms of the wind, with the forecast suggesting only around 10 to 12 knots of E/SE winds throughout the day, before Sunday then brings E/SE winds at 10 to 15 knots through the morning and 15 to 20 knots through mid to late afternoon.
Swimming: The swimming conditions followed the weather conditions this week, with glorious conditions to start the week, and especially so through the early mornings, before choppy conditions kicked in from Wednesday afternoon.
Choppy conditions are expected to be the norm for today and across the weekend as well, with moderate onshore winds forecast to continue.
The early mornings will certainly be the better time for a swim while the winds are lighter and the tide higher, before the afternoons produce choppier and messier conditions, along with a side sweep that will push from right to left across most beaches.
Saturday is shaping up to be the best day for the beach this weekend due to the slightly lighter winds, but the mornings will be quite okay from today through until Sunday.
Best beaches will be those that provide some protection from the S/SE to E/SE winds – so Agnes Water, Hervey Bay, Nielson Park, and Moore Park Beaches.
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: Well once again, we have had another run of flat and clam surf since about Friday last week, but don’t despair as there is hope headed our way!
The surf conditions started to improve quickly through yesterday, and despite the waves being a little sloppy, they are forecast to increase in height over the coming days – and dare I say it, we should have plenty of fun waves about across the weekend!
For local beaches, the best time will through the early mornings and then again from mid to late afternoon, while Agnes Water should hopefully start to fire up a bit later in the morning after the tide start to drop.
Agnes Water, Nielson Park, Moore Park and Mon Repos will likely be the better locations.
For the SUP and ocean ski paddlers, there should be enough wind over the coming days (especially the afternoons) to provide something for a bumpy downwind paddle (south to north), and if not, there should at least be plenty of waves about to enjoy.
But for those chasing a gentle and relaxed paddle, you may want to consider those protected creeks and waterways.
Events: Nil
Last week's beach report: Take in the end of school holidays by the beach
