Well, it has been yet another mixed bag of weather conditions throughout the region this past week.
There have been more warm temperatures and high humidity, along with rain, storms and variable winds – but still with some great beach conditions mixed in as well.
Looking ahead to today and then across this weekend, we should see a more consistent pattern of weather – although this weather will involve moderate to strong winds.
At least the temperature should become milder and the humidity a little more tolerable!
The wind forecasts for both today and tomorrow are looking almost identical with 15 to 20 knots of E/SE winds expected through the mornings, which will increase to 20 to 25 knots through the afternoons.
Sunday should be slightly better but the forecast is still suggesting we can expect 15 to 20 knots of E/SE winds.
Showers are also still possible but more so through today and tomorrow.
Swimming: expect windy weather
Despite the mixed weather conditions, the swimming conditions have been pretty good for the most part this week with the winds remaining quite light throughout the week.
But looking ahead to today and to the weekend, we can expect moderate to strong winds to develop and settle-in, which will bring choppy and messy conditions to those beaches that are open and exposed to the E/SE winds, along with a side sweep running from south to north along these beaches as well.
Therefore, the best beaches for swimmers will be those that provide some protection from these prevailing winds, so consider options such as Hervey Bay, Agnes Water, Nielson Park and Moore Park Beaches.
The best time for a swim will be through the very early mornings whilst the winds are slightly lighter, or else from mid-morning to around midday while the tide is high.
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!
Beach patrols: swim between the flags
Weekdays and weekends: 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 beaches may have longer hours.
Surfing: increase in wave heights
This past week has provided very few, if any, opportunities to get out and find some waves to enjoy on the new Christmas presents but fingers crossed we should see an increase in wave heights over the coming days – although it will be messy and choppy on most beaches.
Saturday and Sunday mornings, during the incoming stage of the tide (up until around midday or so), could be worth a look at locations such at Agnes Water, Nielson Park Beach, Mon Repos and Moore Park Beach.
Hopefully the wind doesn’t mess things up too much and we can find a few fun waves!
Last week’s beach report: Warm, humid conditions
