Central QLD Forecaster Notes by Steve Shearer (updated on Fri 14th April)

This weekend and next week (Apr14-Apr21)

Central QLD: Hope (small surf) on the horizon

No surf this week or weekend as a S’ly dominated pattern remains entrenched through the Tasman Sea.

Still slumbering peacefully

OK, we’re getting more clarity on the dynamic situation expected to unfold next week. The current small low off the North Coast quickly gets whisked away towards New Zealand and becomes enjoined in a long, NW-SE blocking trough pattern, which is expected to have more low pressure centres embedded in it next week.

Initially the low enhances a broad E-E/NE wind infeed over the weekend, contracting NE into a low pressure centre near the North Island early next week. In the Tasman, a SSE feed is enhanced along the lower end of the trough. 

Neither of these fetches are well aimed for CQ but small amounts of ESE swell should be in the water by Tues, up into the 1ft range and building a little Wed into the 1-2ft range at exposed breaks.

The potential cyclone we mentioned on Wed now looks to manifest as a surface low in the Coral Sea which retrogrades South-westwards back towards the SEQLD Coast and possibly further South, enhancing a fetch of SE winds through the Northern Tasman next weekend but only supplying small amounts of energy for CQ.

Not ideal but should supply some small waves next week

Background tradewind swell from winds extending out into the South Pacific from New Caledonia should maintain some surfable through next week, even if you need to bust out your biggest board.

There should be something to ride from Tues next week.

Check back Mon and have a great weekend!