Central QLD Forecaster Notes by Steve Shearer (issued on Fri 22nd Apr)

This weekend and next week (Apr22-Apr 29)

Central QLD: Active outlook as surf builds into the weekend and maintains next week.

Tiny surf is now beginning to build, beginning a very active phase as a monster high (1037hPa) in the bight builds a firm ridge along the CQ coast. This ridge is enhanced by a trough lying along the NQ coast. Expect winds to build into the 20knot+  range and stay there all weekend and into next week with a board coverage of winds through the Capricorn Channel.

Plenty of strong tradewinds in Coral Sea with an active surf pattern as a result

This will see plenty of surf over the long weekend with size up into the 2-3ft range and holding for the entire weekend.

Into next week and the broad coverage of 20-30knot Tradewinds through the Coral Sea maintains plenty of size, increasing into the 3ft+ range through Mon and into Tues with fresh SE to ESE winds. This size should hold into Wed morning before easing.

Surf then eases through the end of next week, although there should be enough energy to maintain rideable waves through Thurs before surf drops below rideable thresholds on Fri and Sat.

Longer term and Tradewinds rebuild next weekend suggesting another round of surf for the CQ coastline as we begin May, traditionally a time when the Coral Sea swell window starts to become more dormant.

Check back Mon for the latest and have a great long weekend!