Well, it has been a bit of an ordinary week of weather across the region this past week, with moderate to strong onshore winds, and some rain and scattered showers as well, which made beach conditions quite ordinary for the most part.
But, in good news for beach goers, the forecast for the coming days is looking much better, with mostly sunny skies, winds easing, and ocean conditions improving.
Today’s winds will be from the S/SE this morning at around 10 knots before they swing from the E/SE during the day and increase to around 15 knots this afternoon.
Tomorrow and Sunday will then be quite similar, with S/SE to E/SE winds forecast at around 10 knots, but they could just increase slightly through the afternoons.
The air temperature will be quite mild too, with a range of about 11 to 24 degrees forecast.
Swimming:
The swimming conditions during the past week have been much like the weather – mostly ordinary – with messy and choppy conditions the norm across most beaches, but particularly on those open and exposed beaches.
But, just like the weather, we can expect the swimming conditions to improve over the coming days as the winds ease.
High tides are due in the very early mornings and then again in late afternoons over the coming days, so based on this and the wind forecast, the best time for swimmers will be from early to mid-morning or again from mid to late afternoon.
The ocean will still be a little wobbly, and there will still be a few small waves about, so just be cautious in the water – and particularly during the outgoing stage of the tide (through the mornings).
Best beaches will be Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Moore Park Beach, and Nielson Park Beach.
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 – 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water only
Surfing:
The past week has provided more waves for local board-riders, with Agnes Water being the best of our local beaches by far, as the Bundaberg beaches were very wind-affected, and quite messy and sloppy.
The coming days are expected to provide more waves, but the wave heights will start to drop quickly across the weekend – although as the winds drop, the waves quality should improve, and the waves will become cleaner.
Fingers crossed there is still enough size there to have some fun!
Check out beaches such as Agnes Water, Nielson Park, Mon Repos and Moore Park for the best results.
For the SUP and ocean ski paddlers, the wind forecast is not looking promising for any superfast and slick downwind paddles, particularly with such a confused ocean at present, but the afternoons may just provide enough for a south to north run.
For those looking for a more relaxed paddle, the ocean will settle down over the weekend, but it is still expected to be a little wobbly under the board.
