Timing will be important for those looking to hit the water this weekend as swimmers will have to dodge showers and surfers will have to set alarm clocks to enjoy the best of the conditions.
The forecast is gloomy for much of the next week with a 90 per cent chance of rain Saturday and Sunday with falls of up to 40mm. A thunderstorm is also possible on Saturday.
Temperatures are set to reach 27C though, so it’s still warm enough for a dip if there’s a break in the showers.
We’re expecting to see an increase in swell from Saturday, continuing through next week as a result of a high pressure system in the Tasman Sea combining with a series of low pressure troughs in the area.
According to the Bureau, there will be increasing east to southeasterly winds – up to 20 knots – that will create messy conditions, especially later on Sunday and into Monday.
A sizeable easterly swell is tipped to build to about 2.5m offshore, which should mean we get some chest to head-high waves on our beaches.
Due to the stiffening winds, surfers will have to get out there early with the points and bays offering most the most protection.
It was a great weekend of competition down at North Kirra beach last weekend with the 2021 Queensland Youth Championships.
The overall point score saw North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club come out on top.
Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore and Met Caloundra were the top performers from the Sunshine Coast, placing third, fourth and sixth overall, respectively.
There were also plenty of individual medals brought back up the highway, so a massive congratulations to all our competitors for doing their clubs – and the Sunshine Coast -proud.
Mooloolaba, which hosted its triathlon last weekend, once again plays host to another big event. This weekend, it’s the Mooloolaba Mile Ocean swim. Normal lifesaving patrols will still be provided by Mooloolaba SLSC with lifesavers also undertaking water safety duties.
Have a great weekend and, as always, make sure you only swim between the flags!
Aaron Purchase is Surf Life Saving Queensland’s regional manager for the Sunshine Coast. His column in sunshinecoastnews.com.au appears each Friday to keep the community informed of what’s happening on the beach and how to stay safe in the water.
