Photo: Elliott Heads Beach surf
Weather: Well, we got a short-lived and early taste of winter this week, with some chilly mornings through the early part of this week!
Despite the cooler air temperatures, the ocean temperature remains quite mild, and we also experienced great swimming conditions up until Wednesday afternoon thanks to the offshore winds.
Unfortunately though, the onshore winds have now returned, and they are forecast to stay with us right across the weekend and into next week.
These winds will not be super-strong, but they will be moderate and quite gusty through the afternoons and will bring an increased chance of showers with them as well.
The wind forecast for both today and tomorrow is almost identical, with S/SE winds through the mornings at around 15 knots, which will then swing more from the E/SE during the day and increase to around 20 knots.
Sunday will see only a slight reprieve, with S/SE to E/SE winds forecast at around 15 knots.
Swimming: The swimming conditions have been quite mixed during this past week, with mild and calm conditions from Sunday through until Wednesday morning, but then choppy and messy conditions have been the norm since Wednesday afternoon – particularly on those open and exposed beaches.
The good news though, is that the water temperature is still quite mild.
The bad news though, is that choppy and messy conditions are forecast for at least the next few days (and into next week).
Those beaches that are open and exposed to the SE winds will be choppier and messier than others, so if you are swimming, you would be best advised to head to those beaches that provide some protection from the moderate SE winds.
Beaches such as Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Nielson Park and Moore Park Beach will likely offer the better swimming conditions, with the best time for a swim being either early in the morning while the winds are lighter, or around mid-afternoon when the tide is higher.
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: Unfortunately, the great run of waves that we have seen across our local beaches, ended abruptly on Monday, with calm, and mostly flat ocean conditions persisting until Wednesday.
But don’t despair, because the waves have started to improve again since yesterday, and the forecast is suggesting that the wave heights should gradually increase over the coming days as well.
Yes, it could be a little messy and sloppy due to the moderate onshore winds, but locations such as Agnes Water, Nielson Park, Mon Repos and Moore Park will all be worth checking out through today and across the weekend. Good luck!
For the SUP and ocean ski paddlers looking for a slick, downwind paddle, there will be plenty of opportunities for you through today, and across the entire weekend, for a south to north paddle.
For those that want a more relaxed and gentler paddle though, you would best be advised to head to the inland and/or protected waterways.
Events: Happy Mother’s Day for Sunday to all the mums out there!
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