Craig Holden says to expect strong to moderate winds over the weekend, with conditions set to gradually ease on Mother’s Day this Sunday.
Weather
Well, it has been a bit of a mixed week of weather this week, with moderate winds and scattered showers for Monday and Tuesday, before the winds eased and the blue skies returned from Wednesday.
However, as we look ahead to today and then across the weekend, the weather forecast is not looking good for beach goers, with very strong winds returning today and then continuing to be moderate to strong across the weekend, together with the chance of more scattered showers.
Sunday though, is probably looking to be the better of the days (just) – just in time for Mother’s Day!
This morning, we can expect 20 to 25 knots of S/SE winds, but they will swing more from the E/SE during the day and strengthen to 25 to 30 knots through this afternoon.
Tomorrow will then bring more S/SE to E/SE winds at 20 to 25 knots, before Sunday brings us slightly more tolerable S/SE to E/SE winds at 15 to 20 knots.
Swimming
Swimming conditions have been a little choppy through the early part of this week, but they soon improved from Wednesday, but unfortunately, these swimming conditions will deteriorate quite quickly through today with the onshore winds forecast to be very strong.
These winds will remain onshore across the weekend and despite gradually easing, they will still be moderate to strong on both Saturday and Sunday, although Sunday will be somewhat better.
With this in mind, the ocean will be very choppy and messy, especially on the open and exposed beaches where there will also be a side sweep pushing from right to left.
The best beaches for swimmers over the coming days will be those that offer some protection from these onshore winds – so Hervey Bay will be the best followed by Agnes Water (adjacent to the headland).
Locally, beaches such as Nielson Park and Moore Park will be slightly better options, but they also will be quite messy.
The best time for a swim will be through the early mornings while the winds are a little lighter and the tide high.
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 Agnes Water only
Saturday and Sunday – 9 am to 5 pm at Kelly’s Beach and Agnes Water only
Surfing
Local board-riders have been enjoying plenty of clean and fun-sized waves about local beaches this past week, and they can also expect more waves over the coming days as well – they just may not be quite so clean!
Wave heights should increase over the coming days with the strong winds, but the waves will also become very choppy and messy, so you will be best served heading to beaches on the northern side of headlands, or else hit the beaches through the early mornings to beat the strong winds.
Agnes Water will be the best location, but Nielson Park, Mon Repos and Moore Park will also be worth a look too. Good Luck.
For the SUP and Ocean Ski paddlers there will be plenty of wind about for more slick south to north downwind paddles, but for those chasing a more relaxed and gentler paddle, you will need to head to the protected inland waterways and try an escape the strong winds.
Events
Happy Mother’s Day to all special Mums for Sunday!
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