Central QLD Forecaster Notes by Steve Shearer (issued on Fri 11th Feb)

This weekend and next week (Feb11-Feb 18)

Central QLD: TC Dovi and strong high pressure combine to generate rideable surf for CQ coast this weekend

The ingredients are now in place for a good run of surf for the CQ coast, in line with our La Niña summer.

The headline news is Severe TC Dovi, which formed north-east of New Caledonia Wed a’noon and is moving SW at about 12 knots inside the Coral Sea. At 5am this morning TC Dovi was about 730 nautical miles E/NE of the Queensland border.

Winds in the fetch are aimed away from the CQ coast, to targets further south, so the cyclone itself is not a swell source for the region. 

Concurrently, a long NW-SE angled high pressure ridge is being energised by the south-wards moving cyclone, forming an impressive fetch of SE winds through the Southern Coral Sea. This SE fetch will be the main swell source for the region. 

Expect surf to hold in the 1-2ft range Sat, with a slight drop Sun as the ridge eases.

Surf should then rebuild Mon as another burst of Tradewinds develops in the Capricorn Channel. This fetch is more E/SE oriented, so should see a rapid ride back into the 1-2ft range and SE-E/SE winds.

Surf then holds in the 2ft range Tues, easing slightly into Wed. Some longer period SE swell is possible Tues at more exposed breaks on the Burnett Coast, possibly seeing some bigger 2-3ft sets in play. Winds remain fresh SE through the first half of next week. 

Longer term and an easing trend is likely through the second half of next week with eyes on next weekend for a rebuilding ridge which may see surf re-develop across the region.

Check back Mon for an update and have a great weekend.