Central QLD Forecaster Notes by Steve Shearer (issued on Mon 9th Jan)

This week and next week (Jan9-Jan19)

Central QLD: Tiny/flat this week with a small increase this weekend and lots to look forwards to next week

We currently have a weak, troughy pattern in the Tasman Sea, with continuing instability across the tropics in the wake of an active, monsoon pattern. High pressure is expected to drift south of Tasmania this week, with a typical Summer wind pattern becoming established. Remnants of low pressure near New Zealand are offering up minor fetches out of Cook Strait (currently) and near the South Island which are outside the CQ swell window.

Tiny/flat surf is expected this week with weak E’ly breezes to cool down on, perfect for a trip to the reef.

By the weekend a new high pressure ridge establishes a weak tradewind flow through the Coral Sea. Windspeeds remain at strong breeze strength so wave heights are not expected to exceed 1-1.5ft, possibly 1-2ft during Sun with SE-ESE winds on hand.

Into next week and things look much juicier. At a minimum we’ll see increased Tradewinds in the Coral Sea and surf building into the 2ft range through Mon. 

A cyclone in the South Pacific may send some groundswell through the Capricorn Channel Tues in the 3ft range.

Tradewinds, a cyclone in the South Pacific and a low off the QLD coast should see more surf next week

We’ll watching for the formation of a TC off the North QLD coast next week as well, which may be a serious swell producer for CQ later next week. Check back Wed and we’ll start dialling in details as they come to hand.