Central QLD Forecaster Notes by Steve Shearer (updated on Wed 6th Dec)

This week and next week (Dec6-Dec 15)

Central QLD: Building swells later this week, becoming very large on the weekend as cyclone Jasper approaches NQ coast

Building swells to end the week as TC Jasper approaches QLD coast.

Last day of tiny/flat surf

We’ve still got weak high pressure in the Tasman with a trough quickly dissipating and a N’ly flow returning for the rest of the week. TC Jasper has formed in water surrounding the Solomon Islands and is intensifying under favourable conditions. Most models now are suggesting a SW-W curvature as it enters the Coral Sea, with slightly less surf potential compared to Mondays notes as it crosses the coast instead of tracking down through the Coral Sea.

Still plenty of size expected for CQ with an impressive E’ly wind field starting to generate swell as early as Thurs with size to 2ft through the day under fresh E/SE winds.

By Fri Cat 3 or above TC Jasper will be in the middle of the Coral Sea with increasing swells for CQ. Expect size up into the 3-5ft range during the day.

TC Jasper in the middle of the Coral Sea

Size holds into Sat at similar ranges.

Sunday sees the system closer to the coast with a peak in size to 5-6ft, holding into Mon before easing as the system gets too close to the coast.

Expect size to then roll off through Tues and Wed but still surfable.

Check back Fri for a last look before the swell hits properly.