I also think that we’re probably close to the peak of the upwards phase of this swell event across SE Qld and Northern NSW.
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We’re essentially looking at a combination of trade swells from two sources.
The current synoptic pattern lends itself to two main characteristics - a slow increase in size through into the weekend, and a focus of the largest waves toward northern locations.
We’re currently at the low point of the swell cycle; the trades will slowly start to muscle up south and west of New Caledonia and this will incrementally build a trade swell about the region over the coming days, biggest north of Byron.
Today’s existing south swell will taper off through Saturday morning but a second southerly groundswell - much of the same characteristics as today’s event - is expected to push northwards across the coast during the day.
We’ve had a slight upgrade (gasp!) in the latest model data, which - if local winds play ball - has the potential to produce some good waves around parts of the Northern NSW coast to finish off the working week
Today’s small short range south swell won’t make much of an impact anywhere.
Overall, we’re looking at an easing trend this weekend.
Thursday will see a further small drop in size across most regions.
With TC Marcia now weakening off the SE Qld coast, it feels like we can finally kick off the forecast week with a recalibration of the forecast models.