Central QLD Forecaster Notes by Steve Shearer (issued on Fri 21 Jan)

This week and next (Jan21– Jan27)

Central QLD: A few small waves Sat, leftovers Sun then a period of tiny/flat surf ahead.

Small surf has built into the 1-2ft range across the region today, favouring exposed breaks, as a result of a strong high pressure surge. Large (1031 HPa) high pressure is now drifting just east of Tasmania, with a smaller reinforcing cell well below the Bight. This is maintaining the ridge of high pressure along most of the East Coast, with a slight and slow easing of pressure gradients  expected over the weekend. An active Monsoon Trough lays across the North of the Continent extending out into the Coral Sea.

Small but rideable waves whipped up today by high pressure surge

An active sea state has now developed as 20-30 knot SE winds blanket the Central Coral Sea and that will see surf in the 2ft range continue through Sat, with slightly bigger 2-3ft surf on offer at the more exposed breaks with open Capricorn Channel exposure.

From there the winds back down through Sun and surf is expected to ease quite quickly during Sun, with some leftover 1-2ft waves easing during the day. 

Next week will see the blocking pattern remain but become very weak as high pressure East of Tasmania “fills out” and the tradewind flow slackens across the Coral Sea. From this weak pattern, more suited for offshore fishing and diving, surf will retreat back to the tiny/flat range, with possibly some rideable ankle snappers at the most exposed breaks on low tide.

So expect tiny surf for next week.

We’re looking to next weekend for the next chance of a rideable wave as the possibility of a tropical depression moves towards the QLD coast from the New Caledonia region. This is a long time away so confidence is very low. 

Best check back Mon and we’ll take a fresh look at it.

Until then, have a great weekend.