Well, it has been an overcast, gloomy and at times wet week so far – although if you could tolerate the frequent showers, the ocean conditions were not too bad.
Now, looking ahead to the Easter long weekend, fingers are crossed the sun should come back out – even if only between the clouds but scattered showers are still forecast across all four days.
Temperatures will remain mild as well, with the winds forecast to become quite moderate and onshore, with the afternoons having the windiest conditions – particularly through Good Friday and Easter Saturday.
This morning’s winds will be from the E/SE at around 10 to 15 knots before they increase during the day to be around 20 knots.
Tomorrow will then be similar but with S/SE winds at 10 to 15 knots in the morning but then increasing to be around 20 knots from the E/SE during the day.
Both Easter Sunday and Easter Monday then should be a little less windy, with S/SE to E/SE winds at 10 to 15 knots.
Swimming
Even despite the rain, the swimming conditions have been OK during this past week thanks to the light winds, with just some choppier conditions developing through yesterday as the winds increased.
Looking ahead to the Easter weekend, we can expect choppy and slightly messy conditions across most beaches but particularly so on those open and exposed beaches, and also through the afternoons when the winds will be stronger.
Hervey Bay will again be the best beach for swimmers in the Wide Bay Region, but locally, beaches such as Moore Park Beach, Nielson Park Beach and Agnes Water will be the better options.
There will also be a side sweep pushing from south to north (right to left) across those open beaches too, as well as slightly discoloured water from the rain, so please swim with caution.
The best time for a swim will be through the early mornings while the winds are lighter or from mid-morning to early afternoon if you want the high tide.
Please check with the surf lifesavers or 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!
Easter long weekend (all days): 9 am to 5 pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park Beach, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach and Agnes Water, plus a rove lifeguard in the Bundaberg Region.
Weekdays (school holidays): 9 am to 5 pm at Elliott Heads, Kelly’s Beach, Nielson Park Beach, Oaks Beach, Moore Park Beach and Agnes Water, plus a rove lifeguard in the Bundaberg Region.
Note: These are minimum patrol times – some locations may have longer hours of patrol time.
Surfing
Not much has been happening across the local beaches this week after plenty of waves were scored last weekend, but looking ahead to the Easter weekend it does look like there should at least be plenty of small but fun-sized waves about to get out and have some fun with.
The onshore winds will create plenty of slop and chop, particularly on the open beaches, but try those beaches that offer some protection from the SE winds.
Hit the beaches from early morning through until about midday or so, with Agnes Water, Nielson Park Beach, Moore Park Beach and Mon Repos all worth checking out.
For the SUP and ocean ski paddlers chasing a downwind paddle, there should be plenty of south to north options through today and tomorrow, and even through the afternoons after that.
For those looking for a gentle and more relaxed paddle, hit the beaches very early or else head to the protected inland waterways.
