Well, it has been a sensational week of weather across the local region during this past week, with more warm temperatures, light winds, and great beach conditions.
However, all good things usually come to an end, and that appears to be what will happen during today, which is unfortunate for the start of the school holidays this weekend!
A strong SE wind change will move into the region during today, with gusty onshore winds forecast to blow for at least the next two to three days, and there is also the chance of showers during today as well, so keep an eye on the sky.
The winds early this morning will be light and from the South at only around 10 knots, before they increase to 15 to 20 knots from the S/SE during the later part of this morning, and then to 20 to 25 knots from the E/SE during this afternoon.
Tomorrow will then bring S/SE to E/SE winds at around 20 knots, before Sunday morning is slightly better with 10 to 15 knots of S/SE winds that increase to 15 to 20 knots from the E/SE during the day.
Swimming
This past week has brought sensational swimming conditions across almost all local beaches thanks to the light winds and gentle ocean conditions.
But, with the gusty SE wind change forecast to arrive today, we will see deteriorating swimming conditions for the next couple of days – particularly on those open and exposed beaches.
Choppy and messy conditions will be the norm from this afternoon onwards, with a strong side sweep pushing from south to north (right to left) as well to be mindful of if swimming on those open beaches.
The best beaches for swimmers will be those that offer some protection from the prevailing winds – Hervey Bay, Agnes Water (adjacent to the headland), Nielson Park Beach, and Moore Park Beach being those that fit the bill.
Hit the beach through the early mornings while the winds are slightly lighter, or again from mid to late afternoon (but it will be windy).
Please check with the 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!
Today: 9 am to 5 pm at Agnes Water only
Saturday, Sunday and school holiday weekdays: 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
Surfing
This past week has thrown out plenty of small, but fun-sized and clean waves for local board-riders to enjoy across most of our local beaches, particularly through the mornings. However, the weekend is looking much, much different thanks to the gusty onshore wind change. This morning should still provide plenty of clean, fun waves to enjoy, but once the SE wind change arrives and then strengthens, we can expect choppy and messy conditions to become the norm. Wave heights will increase over the weekend, but the waves will become very messy and sloppy. Try the early morning this morning for the last run of clean waves, but then across the weekend I would be heading to Agnes Water, or checking out Nielson Park, Mon Repos or Moore Park to escape the wind. Good Luck.
For the SUP and Ocean Ski paddlers chasing a downwind paddle, the wind forecast is suggesting there will be plenty of south to north downwind fun to be had this afternoon, and then across the weekend as well. But for those chasing a gentler and milder ocean paddle, unless you are at Hervey Bay, I would forget it and head to a protected inland waterway.
Events
This weekend marks the official start of the 2024-25 Surf Lifesaving Season, with volunteer Beach Patrols resuming on local beaches, and with the addition of the Australian Lifeguard Services, local beaches will have a surf lifesaving and/or lifeguard service 7-days/week for the school holiday period.
Other news: Spring program blossoms at Gallery
